Texas Catholic Voice February 5

So far, this legislative session feels more like the interim but with bills to review and analyze. House committee assignments just came out yesterday. While the House has been at a standstill for most of this session, the release of the committee assignments will increase the pace and we will see more bills filed with hearings to follow.

Several advocates have asked us how to engage and whether we will be having our Catholic Advocacy Day. We are sad to announce there is not going to be a Catholic Advocacy Day this year. Due to COVID, the Capitol is not allowing any major events for outside groups. In addition, thousands of Catholics traveling together on buses to Austin is not exactly socially distant behavior!

However, we still need Catholic grassroots voices in Austin. Rather than focusing our efforts on a single day event, we are urging all diocesan, parish, and school leaders to encourage your ministries, groups, and friends to sign up for the Texas Catholic Voice. Signing up for the weekly newsletter means advocates will also get our urgent action alerts as bills start to gain traction. Through these alerts, we call on Catholics and others of good will to join us in making phone calls or sending emails in support or opposition to pending legislation. I know we often ask for sign-ups in our materials, but in the absence of an in-person advocacy event, its more important than ever that the lay faithful engage with these calls and emails to legislators.

Legislative Highlight: Medicaid Expansion

Texas, unfortunately, has the highest rate of uninsured in the nation. That translates not only to poor outcomes for the health of Texans but also for the health of our economy. Numerous bills have been filed this session addressing the expansion of Medicaid. Among those we are supporting are bills that aim to help children, postpartum women, and expand eligibility to anyone who is qualified for federal matching funds under the Affordable Care Act.

HB 290 and SB 39 provide for continuous eligibility for Medicaid from six months to one year for children under 19. Currently six month reviews are conducted; these are often unreliable determinants of a child's continued eligibility and result in termination. 41% of these children are re-enrolled in Medicaid within six months. Gaps in coverage contribute to Texas' high uninsured rate, result in negative health outcomes, financially burden poor families, and increase the overall cost of healthcare.

HB 98 and HB 133 extend eligibility for medical assistance to postpartum women from 60 days to 12 months following delivery or involuntary miscarriage. Extending coverage is particularly critical to monitor and treat postpartum depression.

HB 171 | SB 118 | HB 389 | HB 509 | HB 590 | SB 524 | HB 398 | SB 38 | SB 119 expand Medicaid eligibility to anyone who is qualified for federal matching funds under the Affordable Care Act. The TCCB supports these bills to increase healthcare access for low-wage workers.

Healthcare is an essential component of protecting the sanctity of life and promoting human dignity. The bishops are supportive of a variety of legislative solutions to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Texans especially those who are most vulnerable.