Relating to the use of promotoras and community health workers in Medicaid managed care.
Impact
By redefining how the services of promotoras and community health workers are accounted for, the bill seeks to improve funding and support for community health initiatives. This could potentially lead to better health outcomes in low-income areas where these workers often operate. The adjustment in categorization could also facilitate increased integration of these workers into health delivery systems, allowing them to provide more comprehensive support while being recognized for their contributions to quality improvement in patient care.
Summary
House Bill 105 aims to enhance the roles of promotoras and community health workers within the Texas Medicaid managed care system. The bill specifically allows Medicaid managed care organizations participating in the STAR program to categorize the services provided by promotoras and community health workers as quality improvement costs rather than administrative expenses. This change is intended to incentivize the utilization of these roles, which play a critical part in connecting underserved communities to healthcare resources and promoting health education.
Contention
While the bill received bipartisan support, some concerns were raised regarding the potential implications of redefining these roles within the Medicaid system. Critics may argue about the sustainability of relying on community health workers for quality improvement without additional resources or training. Furthermore, there may be skepticism about whether the focus on quality improvement costs truly reflects enhanced healthcare access and outcomes, or if it merely shifts financial responsibilities within the system. The need for federal waivers or authorizations before implementation also highlights the complexities associated with changing how health services are delivered.