Relating to the establishment of a health care pilot program for low-income individuals.
Impact
The implementation of this pilot program is expected to improve health care access for vulnerable populations in Texas by providing structured health coverage tailored to low-income families. By designating ten specific areas to participate, the program seeks to address health disparities within communities that face significant barriers to receiving adequate health care. The Department of Insurance is responsible for determining eligible regions, emphasizing the importance of local assessments in health care distribution.
Summary
House Bill 3195 establishes a health care pilot program aimed at providing health benefits coverage for low-income individuals in designated areas of Texas. The bill outlines the roles of the Texas Department of Insurance in creating and managing the program, including setting eligibility standards for areas to be served. Specifically, it targets regions where the percentage of uninsured individuals exceeds the state average and those designated as health professional shortage areas. The program is particularly focused on parents of children enrolled in existing state health plans or Medicaid programs.
Contention
Although the bill appears beneficial in providing health coverage to those in need, potential points of contention include discussions around funding and the effectiveness of pilot programs in achieving long-term solutions to health disparities. Additionally, the bill allows for an advisory committee to assist in its implementation, which raises questions regarding the influence of various stakeholders involved, such as representatives from the insurance industry and health care providers. The bill's provisions also include a sunset clause, indicating that the pilot program will expire in 2019 unless renewed or made permanent, which could trigger debates on its efficacy and necessity based on performance evaluations.
Relating to a "Texas solution" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace; requiring a fee.
Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.
Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.
Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.
Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.
Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.
Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.
Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.