University Health System launches Regional Healthcare Partnership website
University Health System has launched a new website to provide a resource for information regarding the Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program, commonly referred to as the Medicaid 1115 Waiver. The site, TexasRHP6.com, will be updated regularly with news and developments related to the Waiver and the establishment of a new Regional Healthcare Partnership (RHP) for Region 6.
Through the website, hospitals participating in the Region 6 RHP, and others interested in the new program, will be able to sign up for email updates, send comments, and connect with other hospital partners. In the near future, this website will be expanded to collect data, compile proposed healthcare improvement projects and produce a regional plan.
RHPs are a key component of the Medicaid 1115(a) waiver approved by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) on December 12, 2011. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program “allows the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving hospital funding, provides incentive payments for health care improvements and directs more funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of uninsured patients.”
HHSC is currently finalizing the geographic boundaries for each RHP, which will be directed by a public hospital or local governmental entity. The lead or “anchor” entity is also responsible for coordinating with participating hospitals in the development of the region’s RHP plan. The plan will identify participating partners, community needs, proposed projects and funding distribution.
Region 6, anchored by University Health System, currently includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Comal, DeWitt, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, LaSalle, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala counties.
