The ACA in Texas

Overview This brief provides a quick summary of the ACA and explores what is known currently about how Texas leadership is envisioning replacing and/or modifying the Act. Because no specific plan for healthcare coverage targeting ACA populations (working age low-income adults and individuals and families without access to public or private health insurance) has been put forward other than the bill recently filed by Rep. Garnet Coleman, which codifies the ACA into Texas law and expands Medicaid per the option within the Act[1], this exploration hinges on language in public statements by Texas officials and stakeholders in response to the recent ruling and looks back at recent federal proposals to replace the ACA. Further, this brief will consider the interim charge Lt. Governor Patrick asked Senators serving on the Business and Commerce Committee to consider which examines 1332 waivers and inter-state health insurance purchases as potential replacements and/or modifications to the ACA