Texas House Bill HB2962

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by House: 5/17/09

Caption

Relating to the administration and funding of and eligibility for the child health plan, medical assistance, and other programs.

Summary

House Bill 2962 aims to modify the administration and eligibility processes of Texas's child health plan and Medicaid programs. It seeks to implement a series of state-level changes designed to streamline and enhance access to health benefits for children under 19, particularly those from families whose income falls below certain thresholds. A significant component of this bill involves the establishment of a 12-month continuous eligibility period, ensuring that eligible children maintain their health coverage without undergoing frequent reviews due to changes in income or resources. This continuous eligibility approach aligns with federal requirements and aims to secure federal performance bonus payments that support these programs. The bill proposes liberalizing asset test requirements for determining eligibility, potentially eliminating the asset test altogether, which could simplify the application process for families seeking health coverage. In addition, it contains provisions for administrative procedures that reduce the burden on applicants by eliminating personal interviews and allowing for automatic recertification processes. This is intended to make it easier for families to access necessary health services while minimizing bureaucratic obstacles. A notable aspect of HB 2962 is its inclusion of a 'buy-in option' for families with incomes exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level but not exceeding 400%. This provision allows these families to purchase coverage through the child health plan program, providing an avenue for middle-income families to access healthcare benefits without complete reliance on public programs. The intent behind this option is to create a more inclusive healthcare access model while addressing the needs of families who might otherwise find themselves without affordable insurance. The bill also addresses the potential for 'crowd-out' situations, where families might opt out of employer-sponsored insurance due to availability of public benefit options. As a precaution, it incorporates safeguards to discourage employers from discontinuing health benefits specifically for employees' children, ensuring that coverage is maintained across different sources. Overall, HB 2962 represents a significant effort to enhance child health services in Texas by modernizing the framework that governs health coverage eligibility and administration.