Texas House Bill HB3860

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to community outreach to increase awareness of the availability of health benefits coverage under the child health plan program.

Impact

If enacted, HB3860 will necessitate the Texas Health Commission to strengthen its community outreach efforts. This includes conducting information campaigns that not only educate but also encourage parental engagement in enrolling their children in health programs. By forming partnerships between local businesses and community organizations, the bill seeks to foster a collaborative environment where information can be effectively communicated to families who may benefit from these services.

Summary

House Bill 3860 aims to enhance community outreach regarding the availability of health benefits under the child health plan program. The bill emphasizes improving information dissemination about health coverage eligibility for children, with a focus on increasing awareness among parents. The proposed amendments to the Health and Safety Code will include measures to promote enrollment and coordinate efforts among state-administered child health programs, ensuring a streamlined approach to coverage for eligible children.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward aim of increasing health coverage awareness, potential points of contention may arise around the mechanisms proposed for outreach and the effectiveness of partnerships with private local businesses. Critics might question whether these partnerships will adequately address the needs of vulnerable populations, or if they risk commercializing healthcare outreach. Furthermore, the emphasis on community-based organizations raises concerns about their capacity to handle the increased responsibilities placed on them by the bill.