Texas House Bill HB647

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the period of continuous eligibility for the medical assistance program.

Impact

The implications of HB 647 are significant for the administration of the medical assistance program, as it seeks to stabilize healthcare access for children during a critical period of development. By reducing the frequency of eligibility reviews, the bill aims to enhance continuity of care, ensuring that children maintain access to essential health services without interruption due to changing financial circumstances. This could alleviate some bureaucratic challenges associated with eligibility verification for families and reduce the number of children who fall through the cracks in the healthcare system.

Summary

House Bill 647 relates to the period of continuous eligibility for the medical assistance program in Texas. The bill amends Section 32.0261 of the Human Resources Code to ensure that children under 19 years of age remain eligible for medical assistance once determined eligible, without the need for additional reviews. This implies that a child would continue to receive medical benefits regardless of any changes in their resources or income until the first anniversary of their eligibility determination or until they reach their 19th birthday.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face discussions around its fiscal impact and implications for state Medicaid expenditures. While supporters argue that maintaining continuous eligibility can lead to better health outcomes for children, critics might raise concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of such provisions and whether it would increase demand for state resources amidst changing economic conditions. It is essential for lawmakers to weigh these considerations when deliberating the bill's provisions and potential amendments.