Texas House Bill HB3362

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a managed care pilot program to prevent high-risk pregnancies that result in the birth of premature or low birth weight infants.

Impact

The implementation of this pilot program is expected to mainly impact the healthcare delivery system in Bexar County and its contiguous counties. By integrating additional health services into the existing Medicaid structure, the bill seeks to create a more comprehensive safety net for vulnerable populations, specifically women at risk of experiencing high-risk pregnancies. The approach aims to facilitate a seamless transition from pregnancy Medicaid coverage to ongoing healthcare support, attempting to lower the long-term healthcare costs associated with premature births.

Summary

House Bill 3362 introduces a managed care pilot program aimed at preventing high-risk pregnancies, particularly focusing on reducing the incidences of premature and low birth weight infants. The bill mandates health care services extend for an additional 18 months after a woman’s Medicaid coverage for pregnancy ends if she delivers a premature or low birth weight infant. The intention is to ensure better health outcomes for both mothers and infants by providing continued care and support post-delivery through established Medicaid managed care organizations.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at addressing a critical public health issue, potential points of contention may arise concerning the program's funding and its effectiveness in budgeting. The bill stipulates that the state will seek federal funds to assist in financing the program, which may raise concerns among lawmakers about dependency on federal resources and the overall budget neutrality of the initiative. Further discussions could also focus on the quality of care provided through the managed care organizations and whether this approach might adequately meet the complex needs of high-risk pregnancies.