Texas wants to make it easier for certain children to access services through one of its Medicaid programs – but parents, advocates and medical providers worry the new rule is too narrow.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, or HHSC, published a draft rule amendment that would affect one of the ways Texas families gain access to Medicaid services through the Medically Dependent Children Program, or MDCP, which provides home- and community-based health services to children with medically complex needs. The state said during a public hearing Thursday the change would help children avoid placement in an institution – like a nursing facility.
However, Dr. Glen Medellin, a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in palliative medicine, said he was worried the rule may limit providers.