Today, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) is calling for limited health coverage for testing, care, and treatment of the coronavirus during this time of disaster to be included in Texas’ 1135 Medicaid Waiver request to the Federal government.

Representative Garnet F. Coleman, released the following Statement:

“In the wake of disasters such as 9/11 and the H1N1 virus the Federal government has approved state requests for 1135 Medicaid Waivers to help combat health risks caused by the disaster. Because this new virus is so infectious, we cannot risk anyone not being able to get testing or treatment due to a lack of health coverage. That is why I am asking that Texas ask for and the Federal government approve a temporary limited coverage for coronavirus testing and treatment to as many of the 5 million uninsured Texans as possible under an 1135 Medicaid Waiver.

The Families First Coronavirus Act which is now in the U.S. Senate currently has a free testing regardless of coverage provision. However, knowing that you may have the virus is not enough. We need to provide treatment for everyone who needs it—in order for us to effectively prevent the virus from spreading and causing death.

Additionally, providing this limited emergency coverage will make sure that doctors, nurses, other health- care professionals, and hospitals, are properly compensated for what will be a monumental effort over what could be the next several months.

Also, as Chair of the House Committee on County Affairs, I know that in Texas counties play the lead role in responding to disasters on the local level and bear a great financial burden in doing so. Hence our 1135 Medicaid Waiver request should reimburse our counties and other local governments for testing, treating, containing, and educating the public about the virus.”