Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4156

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the medical assistance program.

Impact

This piece of legislation has the potential to significantly enhance the provisions of the medical assistance program by facilitating a better alignment with federal guidelines and laws. The bill seeks to make the Texas medical assistance program more accommodating, which could lead to increased participation among eligible individuals and families. This may particularly benefit low-income families, ensuring that pregnant women and infants up to one year of age can access these critical health services without excessive barriers.

Summary

House Bill 4156 aims to amend the Human Resources Code concerning the medical assistance program in Texas. The bill focuses on improving access and eligibility for medical assistance, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals requiring nursing home care. Notably, the bill includes provisions that set income eligibility caps for various categories of recipients, ensuring that those who qualify for services under Medicaid receive appropriate benefits. These adjustments include increasing caps and mandating considerations for previous fiscal year service levels when determining eligibility thresholds.

Conclusion

Overall, HB4156 reflects an effort to enhance healthcare access through revising eligibility and operational requirements within the Texas medical assistance program. However, the proposal may attract debate on its feasibility and the actual benefits it will yield for families relying on state-sponsored health programs.

Contention

Despite the positive implications, there may be concerns regarding the increased burdens on state resources, especially if the enrollment numbers rise significantly as a result of these changes. Furthermore, the stipulation that requires prior authorization for certain medical services, such as ambulance transportation, could lead to delays in receiving essential care, which may be a point of contention during discussions among stakeholders. Advocates for the poor and healthcare providers may emphasize the need for swift access to medical services, arguing that bureaucratic processes should not hinder care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1293

Relating to the reimbursement of prescription drugs under Medicaid and the child health plan program.

TX HB1283

Relating to prescription drug formularies applicable to the Medicaid managed care program.

TX SB1113

Relating to prescription drug formularies applicable to the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX SB2143

Relating to the eligibility for and access to certain Medicaid waiver programs, including the medically dependent children (MDCP) and the Texas home living (TxHmL) waiver programs.

TX SB17

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.

TX HB652

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.

TX SB195

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.

TX SB78

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.

TX SB504

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.