TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Advocated for the continued funding of the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program which funds pediatric residency training at children's hospitals. Advocated for continued funding of Global Health and the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) which supports Texas Children's Global Health programs.

Continued to educate congressional staff and lawmakers about the Medicaid program and its importance to children's hospitals and the patients we serve as well. Provided updates regarding Medicaid redeterminations in Texas. Informed congressional staff about the recent results of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's recent Notice of Intent to Award for the STAR Medicaid and CHIP procurement in Texas.

Educated congressional offices about the impact a proposed FDA rule on laboratory developed tests could have on Texas Children's Hospital and the patients we serve.

Educated congressional offices about the importance of the 340B program to Texas Children's Hospital. Requested support for HR 7635, the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support Act, or 340B PATIENTS Act, which would prohibit drug companies from imposing restrictions on covered entity access to 340B pricing through contract pharmacies. Educated congressional offices about how site neutral policies, which seek to reimburse for care provided in a hospital off campus outpatient department setting at the same rate as physician offices, would impact Texas Children's ability to continue expanding access to care in the communities we serve throughout Texas. Sought support for HR 4758/S 2372, the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, which would streamline Medicaid provider enrollment when a child needs to travel to another state for care.

Educated congressional staff about Texas Children's Global programs, the benefits the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) has had on our programs and the children and women we serve, and the need for the U.S. to continue to support Global Health programs. Communicated with House Foreign Affairs Committee staff to prepare for a Global Health Subcommittee hearing at which one of our physicians was invited to testify on successes of the Global Hematology and Oncology Pediatric Center of Excellence (HOPE) program in sub-Saharan Africa. The hearing was cancelled.