The Health Care Forum met at the Three Rivers City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to discuss Texas Health Steps and the possibility of a federally-funded health care center.

Judy McAda, district director for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, led the meeting. She began by addressing the group of two dozen health officials, including hospital administrators, nurses and Texas Health Steps representatives by saying, “We look forward to working with you and taking action with regards to Texas Health Steps providers. Mayor Liska and I discussed there were not enough kids in Live Oak County getting served and this meeting was the outcome.”

McAda turned the floor over to Scott Horney, LCSW regional manager of Specialized Health and Social Services. Horney began by explaining Texas Health Steps. He said it is a program for children from birth through 21 who are on Medicaid. The program provides regular medical, dental checkups and management services to children at no cost. If their doctor finds a problem during their checkups, he will see that the child gets the proper medical care. Unfortunately, of the 1,100 children in Live Oak County that are on Medicaid only 24.4% take advantage of the program. “We need to double that number,” Horney said. Live Oak County is one of 11 counties that are “lagging” when it comes to utilizing the Texas Health Steps.

Martha Garcia, regional manager for Maximus, said, “In addition to regular checkups, Texas Health Steps will reimburse clients’ money for gas or a ride to their appointments so there should not be any reason to miss an appointment.”

Live Oak County’s “lagging” status is based on claims but some claims are rejected. “I think during fiscal year 2008, a doctor retired so there were few providers in the area. At Maximus, we take a proactive approach. We call clients; we help them with scheduling, transportation and appointment. We do a lot of community collaboration to get them on the Texas Health Steps program. If we can’t reach them by phone, we go to their homes, to the Boys and Girls Club, or where ever the children are.” Maximus is a government contractor that helps educate Medicaid recipients and providers about preventive care and facilitates appointments for checkups.

Live Oak County Judge Jim Huff said the county is interested in helping Maximus “get the word out” and he would like to set up meetings between them and potential Medicaid recipients. Three Rivers Mayor James Liska said, “We have been very satisfied with J.R. Felkins and the staff at Three River Family Health Clinic. We need to get Maximus to help the school counselors to get the word out at school.”

Garcia replied to Liska, “Actually we contact the schools on an annual basis and remind them that we are not just medical, we do dental health. It is important for children to take time for teeth. We give them a presentation and educate them on the importance of taking care of their teeth.”

The group took a brief break and Monty Small, executive director at Atascosa Health Center, addressed the group on forming a federally-funded health care center in Live Oak County.

Ideally the center will provide medical attention even if persons have no health insurance. Clients are asked to pay what they can afford based on income. Federally-funded health centers provide wellness checkups, treatment for those who are sick, care for pregnant women, immunizations for children and dental care.