Louisiana House Bill HR117

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/11
• Passed: 6/21/11

Caption

Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to repeal administrative rules which serve as a barrier to Medicaid reimbursement for school-based health centers.

Impact

The proposed change is expected to enhance healthcare access for children attending school-based health centers by allowing them to receive Medicaid reimbursements more easily. By eliminating the referral requirement, the resolution aims to streamline billing processes for these centers, which serve a vulnerable population. If the resolution is acted upon, school-based health centers would be better positioned to provide necessary medical services without the administrative burden that currently deters them from billing Medicaid effectively.

Summary

House Resolution 117, introduced by Representative Patricia Smith, urges the Department of Health and Hospitals to repeal certain administrative rules that hinder Medicaid reimbursement for school-based health centers. Currently, these centers are required to obtain a referral from a primary care provider to bill for Medicaid services for children under ten. This resolution seeks to remove that requirement, as it places school-based health centers at a disadvantage compared to other types of providers who can bill without such a referral.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HR 117 appears to be positive, as it is framed as a measure that would increase healthcare access for children. Supporters likely include health advocates and educators who see the benefit of enabling school-based health centers to receive funding for services rendered. However, the resolution could face opposition from entities that support the existing regulations or those concerned about potential implications for the overall Medicaid system.

Contention

One notable point of contention may concern the balance of regulatory oversight versus accessibility in healthcare services. While the resolution seeks to eliminate a barrier for school-based health centers, there may be concerns regarding quality control and whether easing such restrictions could lead to unintended consequences in terms of healthcare standards. Additionally, the necessity and implications of referrals in other healthcare contexts could become a topic of debate.