Cook health plan serves Fort Worth children in need. Don’t let Texas screw it up | Opinion

The news that the state plans to bypass a trusted local children’s health plan with decades of service and award new Medicaid contracts to four out-of-state, for-profit insurers, detailed recently in the Star-Telegram, is deeply concerning.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, which I lead, is committed to advocating for local organizations that make our city a better place to live, work and play. Cook Children’s Health Care System, a nonprofit with a 106-year legacy, is a prime example.

This exceptional health system provides top-notch care to children, with more than 1.6 million patient encounters expected this year by its 10,000 employees. Their dedication is evident — just look at the Golden Deeds Award they received from the Fort Worth Exchange Club in May, and their recognition from Forbes as the best place to work in healthcare in America for 2024. These are just two testaments to their century of service.

A vital piece of this success is the Cook Children’s Health Plan, and its 24-years of service administering Medicaid services for low-income families and medically-complex children. The plan has recorded high-quality care metrics and received external recognition, all while reinvesting profits back into the community. Cook Children’s provides over $200 million annually in free and uncompensated care to our most vulnerable children.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s decision to change insurers jeopardizes this vital service for 125,000 health-plan members. They includie more than 8,000 children with medically complex cases, dozens of whom are ventilator-dependent. The state action could also harm Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Centers across our service area, further straining access to care.

National for-profit companies prioritize shareholder profits, not local communities. Unlike the Cook Children’s Health Plan, they are unlikely to provide the same level of compassionate, coordinated care, especially for children with complex concerns.

This decision also threatens the Cook Children’s Health Plan itself. Losing the contract would hurt almost 400 local employees, along with the network of 1,500 primary care providers and 2,500 specialists who support and rely on the plan.

The state commission should prioritize supporting local, successful organizations like Cook Children’s. Their innovative approaches to improving the quality of care and life for children, and their investments in programs not reimbursed by Medicaid, like the Healthy Homes Asthma Program, showcase their commitment to our community. No out-of-state company can replicate this dedication.

The good news is, there’s still time to act. Cook Children’s will fight the decision, and they have strong allies, such as the Fort Worth Chamber.

We fight for Cook Children’s because the system is essential to our community’s well-being, especially our children. It deserves our support in saving the health plan. Cook Children’s has been there for our families for more than 100 years, and it is our turn to help.

If you would like to learn more about this issue and join in this effort, please visit www.savecookchildrenshealthplan.com.

Steve Montgomery is president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

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