Texas Sen. Charles Schwertner, MD, a Republican from Georgetown, pushed for the cuts after a Texas A&M study showed some therapists were overcharging the state, according to the report. Although Texas A&M later said the study was flawed, the state’s GOP-controlled Legislature approved the reimbursement reductions last year.
Advocates argue the cuts, which will affect reimbursement for Medicaid services provided to about 60,000 special needs children in Texas, will cause some therapy providers to close.
House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) said reversing the Medicaid cuts is one of his top priorities when the Legislature meets in January, but it is unclear whether other lawmakers will support his plan, according to the report.
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