Politex

Fort Worth lawmakers rally for Medicaid spending in Texas

AUSTIN - Fort Worth lawmakers were among about 200 people who rallied Wednesday on the state capitol steps, calling for Texas to spend more money on Medicaid - a move that potentially could bring in $100 billion in new federal funds to the state to cover health care for more residents.

"We know Gov. Perry is completely out of touch with the reality that's facing Texans in the area of health care," state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, told the crowd. "He is out of touch with Texans who have to wait until they are so sick they have to go to the emergency room so they can get health care."

State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, urged the crowd not to be discouraged by the inaction thus far on the issue.

"Where there's a will, there's a way," Burnam said.

Expanding Medicaid to cover more adults is a key part of the federal government's Affordable Health Care Act. But Texas thus far has declined to embrace it.

Texas could get $100 billion in federal funds for a $15 billion investment in state funds, according to one report.

The noon rally was sponsored by Austin Interfaith, which includes leaders and clergy from numerous religions and denominations.

- Gordon Dickson

@gdickson

Regional HUD chief honored by Fort Worth Council

Don Babers, who is retiring as Southwest Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, received a key to the City from Mayor Fort Worth Betsy Price this morning. Babers was HUD's Dallas Field Office Director for 15 years. He is a Fort Worth native, a UTA graduate and was appointed Southwest Regional Regional Administrator in the Fort Worth Regional Office by President Obama in 2010. During his 40 years of work, he oversaw the redevelopment of the Big Four public housing projects in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. In Texas, he led the effort to help resolve a housing discrimination lawsuit brought against HUD that included expanding affordable housing in 36 East Texas counties. He also led recovery efforts for Hurricanes Ike, Gustav and Dolly. "It's been an honor and a pleasure," Babers said.

 

- Bill Hanna

Texas Medical Association: Pay docs enough to 'take care of Grandma.'

The Texas Medical Association has posted a video explaining its position on a large, looming cut to Medicare reimbursements for doctors in terms that, well, a 10-year-old could understand.

In the video, a child narrator introduces the beloved Grandma, who gets her health care through Medicare. Soft children's music plays in the background.

But "Uh,oh, Medicare is broken!" the child exclaims.

The government will cut doctor's pay by "a whole bunch," the child says. The child is referring to a 27 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements poised to take effect Jan. 1 unless Congress acts. Such a cut would force many docs to flee Medicare, TMA says.

In the video, doctors disappear around Grandma.

The video casts the sustainable growth rate, known as SGR, as the villian, depicting it as a shady man wearing a black mask. Doctors have argued the formula, which was created in 1997 to limit growth in Medicare spending, is flawed.

The video ends with a message asking viewers to contact Congress.

--Alex Branch

Watch it here: