East Texas Community News, April 11, 2007 AUSTIN - Medicaid costs are estimated to exceed 40 percent of the state's budget in only 10 years -- a trend virtually unsustainable over the long term - chairwoman Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville) declared at the April 3, 2007, Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting. Nelson hopes that her plan, SB-10, the omnibus Medicaid reform bill will help rein in Medicaid costs while maintaining health care coverage for the state's neediest. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston is currently seeking a federal waiver to offer a three-share program, the first of its kind in Texas, to small businesses in Galveston County that currently do not offer health insurance to its employees. UTMB anticipates the monthly premium would cost around $150. Coverage would include primary care, mental health services, and prescription drug benefits.