Executive Summary
In comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NHeLP urges the department to reject Texas’ request to continue waiving freedom of choice in its so-called “Healthy Texas Women” Medicaid demonstration waiver. The comments note that HHS “may only approve an application that proposes an experiment, pilot, or demonstration that is likely to promote the objectives of the Medicaid Act.” Texas’ request to continue waiving freedom of choice protections would not promote the objectives of the Medicaid Act. Instead, continuing to do so will make it increasingly difficult for low-income women to access family planning and other preventive services.
