Texas Health Policy Forum: Shaping Healthcare Policy for the 89th Legislative Session
Stephanie Ondrias
Chief Convening and Education Officer
Texas Health Institute
Autumn Jones
Communications and Convenings Coordinator
Texas Health Institute
In December, Texas Health Institute, with generous support from the Texas Primary Care Consortium and its partners, brought together state policymakers, public health leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community-based organizations in Austin for the Texas Health Policy Forum. The forum provided a platform for dynamic discussions aimed at tackling the state’s most pressing health challenges as lawmakers prepare for the 89th legislative session.
With a wide range of topics on the table—including workforce issues, access to care, state budget, payment reform, and population health—experts shared insights and recommendations for improving the health landscape in Texas.
The Health of Texas and Workforce
The session on The Health of Texas and Workforce was led by Sue Bornstein, MD, MACP, of the Medical Home Initiative, and featured experts Stephen J. Spann, MD, MBA, from the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, and Cynthia Jumper, MD, MPH, MACP, from Texas Tech University Health Science Center. The discussion focused on the critical need for a strong healthcare workforce to ensure quality care and better health outcomes. Panelists emphasized the importance of Texas medical schools prioritizing the of primary care physicians and incentivizing rural Texans to practice in high-need areas. These points echoed the Texas Health Improvement Network’s recommendations to strengthen primary care across the state.
Access to Care
The Access to Care session, facilitated by Tom Banning of Texas Academy of Family Physicians, brought together Representative James Frank from Texas House District 69 and Clifford F. Porter, MD, PhD, of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The conversation centered around how access to primary care is foundational to a functioning healthcare system. Studies consistently show that a strong relationship with a primary care provider leads to better health outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs. Panelists underscored that improving access to primary care is essential for better health across Texas and highlighted the TPCC’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Funding Health
During the Funding Health discussion, Ursula Parks of Ursula Parks Consulting LLC and Larry D. Gonzales, MPA, CPM, of Desk 138, LLC, outlined the intricacies of state budgeting in relation to health policy. Panelists stressed that advocating for health policies during the legislative session requires building relationships with legislators and understanding their priorities. They highlighted the importance of transparency in the budgeting process and the necessity of negotiating in good faith, ensuring that any commitments made can be fully delivered upon.
Payment Reform
The Payment Reform session was a robust conversation led by Representative Suleman Lalani, MD, of Texas House District 76, alongside Chris Skisak, PhD, of the Houston Business Coalition on Health, and Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MHA, FACHE, of Driscoll Children’s Health System. Facilitated by Ankit Sanghavi, MPH, BDS, of THI, the panel explored how payment reform is a key strategy for addressing rising healthcare costs. Panelists advocated for a shift from the traditional fee-for-service model to value-based care, with alternative payment models that prioritize quality over volume. They also discussed the need for payment systems that balance cost efficiency, high-quality care, and equitable compensation for healthcare providers.
Population Health
The Population Health panel, facilitated by Helen Kent Davis, featured Representative Donna Howard of Texas House District 48 and Kia Parsi, MD, from the A&M Rural and Community Health Institute. The session focused on taking care of the community on a larger scale. Discussions included the importance of preventive healthcare and investments in services that lead to long-term health improvements for Texans. Panelists also touched on the need for safe firearm storage, as well as further investments in rural and maternal health. Additional recommendations can be found in the 2025 Rural Texas Maternal Health Rescue Plan.
Acknowledgments and Looking Ahead
THI extends its gratitude to all the speakers who contributed to the event, providing valuable perspectives that will help drive change. The forum would not have been possible without the support of sponsors such as the Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute, the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals, and TPCC Partners.
As Texas continues to face diverse challenges in healthcare, meaningful dialogue and collaboration remain essential. The Texas Health Policy Forum provided a crucial platform for connecting ideas, and we look forward to continuing this work as we move into the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
We invite you to stay engaged with us as we work to advance the health of all Texans.