FinancialHospitals

Texas hospitals get boost for trauma care funding

June 17, 2019 / SUSANNAH LUTHI 

A new Texas law signed on Friday will increase a state fund subsidizing unreimbursed trauma care by $31 million and repeal a controversial program that previously benefited hospitals.

The legislation repealed the Drivers’ Responsibility Program, under which people were hit with hefty surcharges in addition to fines for traffic violations. Drivers saw their licenses suspended or even faced jail time for outstanding fees.

The program funneled millions into an account earmarked for hospitals and emergency medical services. The 2018-19 appropriation set aside $116 million  for the fund, although a Texas health department report on hospital uncompensated care recorded deep variances year-to-year.

As criminal justice reform advocates lobbied to repeal the program, hospitals and ambulance services looked for ways to keep the trauma fund replenished in any alternative model over the past six years. Ultimately, State Rep. John Zerwas authored the legislation that has replaced the old system.

Under the new law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas will raise or add various traffic violation fines across the board starting Sept. 1, and the revenue will go to the state’s trauma facility fund. The statewide traffic fine will go from $30 to $50, for example.

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Chris J. Stewart

Chris currently serves as President and CEO of Surgio Health. Chris has close to 20 years of healthcare management experience, with an infinity to improve healthcare delivery through the development and implementation of innovative solutions that result in improved efficiencies, reduction of unnecessary financial & clinical variation, and help achieve better patient outcomes. Previously, Chris was assistant vice president and business unit leader for HPG/HCA. He has presented at numerous healthcare forums on topics that include disruptive innovation, physician engagement, shifting reimbursement models, cost per clinical episode and the future of supply chain delivery.

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