Texas Senate Bill SB651

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a pilot project to improve health care outcomes and reduce costs under Medicaid by providing participating recipients with enhanced case management and other services to address certain social determinants of health.

Impact

The implementation of SB651 could lead to significant shifts in how Medicaid services are delivered in Texas. By integrating case management with non-medical intervention services, the bill aims to provide recipients with targeted support to improve their overall well-being. This initiative has the potential to alleviate healthcare costs in the long run by addressing root causes of health issues rather than solely focusing on medical care. It envisions a more holistic approach to healthcare that considers broader social challenges faced by low-income individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 651 establishes a pilot project aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and reducing costs associated with Medicaid by providing enhanced case management and additional services focused on social determinants of health. Specifically, it targets issues such as housing instability, food insecurity, transportation insecurity, interpersonal violence, and toxic stress, which significantly influence health and quality of life for Medicaid recipients. The executive commissioner is tasked with seeking a federal waiver to implement this initiative and ensure it operates within a specified region of Texas over a five-year period.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB651 include concerns about funding and the effectiveness of pilot projects. Critics may argue that pilot projects can be limited in scope and may not sufficiently address the complexities of healthcare disparities across different regions. Furthermore, questions may arise about the practicality of coordinating diverse services among various stakeholders, including Medicaid managed care organizations and community providers. Proponents, however, believe that the pilot serves as a necessary step toward innovative solutions in public health that cater to the specific needs of vulnerable populations.