AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Abbott is expected to give a press conference Thursday afternoon on Texas' response to COVID-19. The governor tweeted an official document earlier in the morning that he has requested a Medicaid waiver to the the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). This waiver would allow the state to have some flexibility when it comes to administering Medicaid during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In the document, Gov. Abbott stated this waiver would also temporarily extend existing prior authorizations for services so people can get the care they need. It would also extend the deadlines for hearings and appeals.
As of March 26 at 2 p.m., there were 1,420 coronavirus cases in Texas, 18 deaths and about 100 patients who have been hospitalized with coronavirus. Gov. Abbott said less than 10 percent of patients tested need to be hospitalized for the virus.
The governor is still asking anyone within the medical profession that can volunteer their time or talent to help Texas fight the COVID-19 outbreak. If you can help, go to www.texas.gov and join the fight.
This article will be update as more information becomes available.
