The new budget goes into effect for the state of Texas next week.
The budget calls for a $350 million in Medicaid cuts, one that scares Alisha Hauber of Fort Worth.
“You cut services, you keep my son from being the best little boy he could be,” said Hauber.
Her son, Lane, was born with a heart condition and a chromosome disorder.
She said she was told he was going to be in a vegetative state. Lane is now six-years-old and she credits therapy for getting him to where he is. She said therapy has improved his development and strength. Because of his condition, there are times he can’t leave the house, so the therapists come to them.
“Ever since Lane was born, I don’t feel like any part of this journey has been fair for him. He is a human being. He should have human rights,” she added.
The cuts come as part of the budget. NBC 5 contacted State Senator Jane Nelson, who chaired the finance committee.
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Nelson's chief of staff said they looked at an independent study conducted by Texas A&M School of Public Health, and additional comparisons done by the Health and Human Services Commission. They found the Texas reimbursement rate is higher than other states. She also recently sent a letter (see below) to the HHSC about the funding.
A spokesperson for Governor Greg Abbott told NBC 5 "HHSC is simply complying with the budget directive enacted by the Legislature.”
Hauber says one way or another, Lane will get therapy.
“We will find a way to make it happen,” she said.
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