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Health care prices vary widely across Texas – new website shows how much

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Texas 2036’s new online tool examines the differences in prices for the same health care services, the implications for patients and taxpayers, and significant information gaps
AUSTIN, TX – Texas 2036’s new online dashboard — which shows health care pricing data in an easy-to-visualize format — vividly demonstrates price discrepancies that help drive higher and higher government spending, insurance costs, out-of-pocket spending, and health-related inflation – but also how few hospitals are providing pricing data in compliance with transparency laws.

Texas 2036 began researching this data as part of an effort to evaluate the true prices of various health care services around the state. However, inconsistent compliance with state and federal hospital price transparency laws limited what pricing data was available. So, as a first step, the organization focused on data provided by hospitals and their compliance with these laws.

“The data available as of this spring suggests that only about 31 percent of Texas hospitals are mostly compliant with state and federal law,” says Charles Miller, senior policy advisor for health care at Texas 2036. “But even when data might be available, a lack of standards makes it really difficult to utilize. There’s a lot of room for improvement.”

To help facilitate those improvements, Texas 2036 is offering recommendations to make the data more accessible, including the adoption of a clear data standard that could encourage and improve reporting and provide researchers with better data for analysis.

These data files offer the potential for a unique and vital reference point for Texas legislators and leaders as they consider options for reducing health care spending while maintaining high levels of care and access in every part of Texas, said Texas 2036 Vice President of Data and Analytics Dr. Holly Heard.

“By spotlighting and addressing market inefficiencies, we hope to help lawmakers and all Texans get better care at a better price – especially those communities disproportionately affected by high health care prices,” Heard said. “The disclosure of health care pricing data has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of health care markets.”

The new public dashboard, which can be found at pricetransparency.Texas2036.org, represents the most comprehensive, publicly available Texas health care pricing transparency tool to date. It analyzes pricing data for a range of health procedures and services, both statewide and within 11 Public Health Regions — providing Texans a snapshot of how prices for the same health care services vary among different hospitals, payers, and geographic regions.

As part of an ongoing effort by federal agencies to empower employers and consumers to make more informed decisions about their health care spending, federal law required hospitals operating in the United States to provide clear, accessible pricing information about their services beginning January 1, 2021. Texas passed a similar law that went into effect in September of that year.

Working with data science firm January Advisors, Texas 2036 attempted to locate and download data for 644 hospitals in Texas. Analysts then reviewed and classified each of the data files. As of April 2022, key findings include:

  • Only 65% of hospitals had made pricing data available in a way that researchers were able to access it.
  • 31% of hospitals were mostly compliant with the law, meaning that they listed standard charges, cash prices, minimum and maximum negotiated rates, and insurer-specific rates in their data. It is unclear whether the lists include all services offered at each hospital.
  • Most large hospital systems in Texas are missing key pieces of data, such as insurer-specific rates.
  • Comparisons between hospitals are often difficult or impossible due to issues with the availability and formatting of hospital codes and insurer-specific information.

Most insurers and employers were required to disclose their own transparency files as of July 1, 2022, and beginning in 2024 will be required to provide their enrollees with consumer-friendly comparison shopping tools that show consumers their out-of-pocket costs for specific providers.

To learn more about health care pricing transparency in Texas and access the data, visit: https://texas2036.org/health-care-price-transparency

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About Texas 2036
Texas 2036 is a nonprofit organization building long-term, data-driven strategies to secure Texas’ prosperity through our state’s bicentennial and beyond. We offer non-partisan ideas and modern solutions that are grounded in research and data on issues that matter most to all Texans. For more information, visit www.texas2036.org.

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Governor announces new crisis support line for those affected by the flooding

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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) launched the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a new statewide crisis support line for Texans impacted by recent catastrophic floods. The crisis support line is available 24/7 and provides professional crisis counseling at no cost. “The State of Texas continues working to ensure that Texans hardest hit by these devastating floods have the resources and support they need, and that includes mental health support,” said Governor Abbott. “This new statewide crisis support line will ensure survivors, families, and first responders have access to emotional support and crisis counseling as they work to heal and recover. Cecilia and I continue to pray that God brings comfort to everyone affected and strength to our first responders as they deal with the unimaginable.” Survivors, families, first responders, and others affected by the disaster can receive professional crisis counseling at no cost by calling 833-812-2480. All calls are confidential and answered by personnel specially trained to work with disaster survivors. “The physical and emotional effects from a natural disaster are profound, and can have lasting effects on hearts, minds and communities,” said Michelle Alletto, HHSC chief program and services officer. “Dedicated mental health support is available to help our fellow Texans cope with loss, rebuild and heal.”   Through crisis counseling, Texans can receive emotional support and get assistance with reviewing their disaster recovery options and referrals to other programs. Crisis counseling also promotes positive coping strategies and helps prevent additional stress for those affected by disaster. For more information on mental health resources available to Texans, visit the Disaster Behavioral Health Services page.
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Congressional staff to visit Nocona

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The staff of the Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for July in regional towns including Nocona.
Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about the office’s services.
Bring all documentation if you require assistance with a federal agency case. No appointment is necessary. Additional questions should be directed to Congressman Jackson’s Amarillo office at (806) 641-5600.
In Montague County the office staff will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 14 in Nocona City Hall, 102 Clay Street.

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Budget offers, election called for Nov. 4

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The Bowie City Council conducted a relatively brief meeting Tuesday night where the budget proposal was presented and the election for November was called.
The agenda opened with a public hearing on the 2024 annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report. City Manager Bert Cunningham touched on the highlights of the report which is available to the public on the city’s website.
He reported there were no violations or issues and the city’s water system continues to operate within all parameters. Water loss was at 41,402,247 gallons, which often stems from leaks or breaks. No action is required by the council.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

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