Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.
Impact
The bill is expected to enhance awareness among new students regarding their health care options by providing information tailored to the needs of the student population. This initiative could potentially increase enrollment in public health programs as students become more aware of their eligibility and the benefits available to them. Effective dissemination of this information will require collaboration between educational institutions and the Health and Human Services Commission, which is tasked with creating and updating informational materials.
Summary
House Bill 181 mandates that public institutions of higher education in Texas provide specific information to applicants about eligibility for public health programs. Under this bill, every entering freshman or undergraduate transfer student must receive clear and comprehensive details about public health benefits, including Medicaid and the child health plan program. The bill aims to educate students about their healthcare options and ensure that they are well-informed before they pursue enrollment in these programs.
Contention
While the bill is largely aimed at improving access to healthcare for students, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the requirement. Educational institutions might face challenges in ensuring that the information provided is clear and comprehensible, given the diverse backgrounds of student populations. Additionally, there is a potential debate about the responsibilities of higher education institutions in becoming conduits for health program information, which some may view as beyond their primary educational mission.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.
Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women's health programs to students.
Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women's health programs to students.
Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding mental health services to entering students.
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to providing information to undergraduate students regarding certain fixed or flat tuition rates provided by certain public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the provision of information regarding mental health and suicide prevention services to entering students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the provision of information regarding mental health and suicide prevention services to entering students at public institutions of higher education.