Texas House Bill HB1988

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to presumptive eligibility of certain elderly individuals for home and community-based services under Medicaid.

Impact

The proposed program under HB1988 mandates that individuals determined to be presumptively eligible must complete an application within ten days, and they will receive medical assistance benefits for a preliminary period of up to 90 days. This initiative could significantly impact the way elderly individuals access care, moving from a traditional institutional framework to a more personable and preferable home-based model. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that state agencies must report on the number of individuals determined eligible and the financial implications of the program, which may promote accountability and transparency in state-level Medicaid spending.

Summary

House Bill 1988 addresses the presumptive eligibility of certain elderly individuals for home and community-based services under Medicaid. It is designed to enhance access to necessary medical assistance for individuals aged 65 and older who require skilled nursing care but prefer to receive care in home or community settings rather than in institutional environments. The bill establishes a process for determining and certifying presumptive eligibility for medical assistance for these elderly individuals, thus potentially streamlining their access to critical services.

Contention

While supporters of HB1988 argue that it facilitates better care options for elderly Texans, critics might highlight concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight and the potential for increased state expenditures on the program before full eligibility is confirmed. There are concerns that while the initiative aims to reduce institutional care costs, it might inadvertently lead to budgetary pressures on the Medicaid program if not managed effectively, especially given the retroactive eligibility provisions outlined in the bill. Thus, the balance between expanding services and controlling costs remains a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups.