AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A Texas House committee has approved a plan to revamp how health care is provided to the poor and disabled.
Republican Rep. Lois Kolkhorst laid out a plan to ask federal authorities for a waiver to experiment with a new payment and incentive system for Medicaid patients. The measure now goes to the full House for consideration.
Medicaid provides health insurance to people with disabilities, the poor and the elderly who need long-term care. The federal government matches state spending, if the state follows federal guidelines.
Kolkorst has proposed an alternative system. She says it will be more efficient and will save the state money. But critics say the bill is vague, and they worry it could lead to fewer people receiving fewer services.