Texas Association of Health Plans

Save the date: Texas Covered returns November 3-5, 2025. Join nearly 1,000 health care leaders—from major health plans and providers to regulators and legislators—for Texas' premier managed care conference. 📅 Be the first to get the details: https://lnkd.in/gAiHxGCS

A shout out to the many leaders from Superior HealthPlan who spoke at Texas Covered, a premier health care event sponsored by the Texas Association of Health Plans. Speakers included: Jared Wolfe, Plan Product President; Eric Glenn, VP of Business Development; Nathan Hoover, VP of Behavioral Health Services; and, Thomas Nguyen, Sr. Director of Pharmacy Operations. Our presence at the conference also came at a great time as we celebrate our 25th anniversary of serving Texans. Learn more about the event at https://bit.ly/40TGnQ9.

Missed this #TAHP2024 session? Vheda Health shares insights on improving chronic care and maternal health outcomes.

The rebels have done it again! Fortune has named SCAN to their list of Best Workplaces for Women for a second year in a row! 🙌 SCAN is honored to be recognized as an inclusive workplace that empowers women to lead, innovate, and make an impact in the lives of our members across all levels of the organization. We couldn't do it without you! See the full list here: https://ow.ly/HFy050U8jWK

Texas Covered concluded with valuable insights from Texas Department of Insurance leadership on key regulatory developments. Commissioner Cassie Brown and her team shared important updates: 🔄 Surprise billing portal successfully managing increased volume 📋 Significant progress on implementing new legislative requirements 🤖 Balanced approach to AI oversight focusing on consumer protection Special thanks to Commissioner Cassie Brown, Deputy Commissioner Debra Diaz-Lara, and Director Rachel Bowden for their leadership and partnership in making health insurance work better for Texans.

Texas Health and Human Services CFO Trey Wood provided crucial Medicaid updates at #TAHP2024, highlighting key challenges and opportunities ahead. Critical updates for Texas Medicaid: 📊 Post-PHE dynamics creating unique utilization patterns 💻 Agency focusing on modernizing technology systems 📋 New federal requirements driving process changes 🔄 Additional resources needed for expanded cost reporting These changes come at a pivotal time as Texas Medicaid adapts to post-PHE realities while maintaining focus on quality care delivery.

At #TAHP2024, Superior HealthPlan's Jared Wolfe offered a fascinating look at prior authorization's evolution in American health care. Key historical insights: 🏥 First prior auth dates to 1917 Pierce County Industrial Medical Bureau ⚕️ Early insurance focused on hospital prepayment through Blue Cross 🔍 United Mine Workers pioneered modern prior auth to address quality issues 📋 Medicare/Medicaid cost challenges in 1960s expanded prior auth use 🤝 HMOs emerged as solution through trusted provider networks Understanding this history helps explain how we got here - and where we might go next. Prior authorization has always balanced access, quality, and cost - a challenge that continues today.

Election experts gathered at #TAHP2024 to analyze results and preview the upcoming legislative session. Our panel of political experts shared crucial insights: 🗳️ South Texas results show deeper socioeconomic shifts affecting voting patterns 📊 Budget constraints will shape next session's priorities 🏛️ Leadership races add complexity to policy discussions 💼 Infrastructure, water scarcity, and education funding take center stage Special note for health care policy: Senator Morgan Lamantia's departure from the Senate Health & Human Services Committee signals potential changes in health care leadership. Thanks to former Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Ross Ramsey of The Texas Tribune, and Brad Johnson of The Texan for their expert analysis.

Health care affordability experts gathered at #TAHP2024 to share insights on controlling costs for families and employers. Our policy experts highlighted key developments: ➞ New bipartisan framework from Senators Maggie Hassan and Bill Cassidy targets facility fees for lower complexity services ➞ Federal budget discussions create momentum for meaningful cost-saving reforms ➞ States pushing forward on price transparency while balancing multi-state employer needs ➞ Growing attention on private equity's impact on health care costs and need for ownership transparency The conversation highlighted a crucial point: We need practical solutions that work for both families and employers while maintaining quality care. Thanks to our expert panelists from The Brookings Institution, The ERISA Industry Committee, and Paragon Health Institute for this important discussion on making health care more affordable.