Texas House Bill HB4192

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to medical assistance for certain children with disabilities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4192 would amend the Human Resources Code by adding provisions that specifically address medical assistance for children with disabilities. The bill mandates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission develop rules for the implementation of this medical assistance program, potentially broadening support for those who currently lack access to healthcare due to stringent eligibility criteria. This change reflects a commitment to better support children with disabilities and their families.

Summary

House Bill 4192 focuses on enhancing medical assistance for children with disabilities in Texas. The bill seeks to provide medical assistance to a child with a disability who is otherwise ineligible due to certain income or resource limitations. This initiative aims to align state eligibility criteria with federal standards under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(e)(3), which could expand access to necessary healthcare services for a vulnerable population.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 4192 involves concerns regarding the potential fiscal implications of expanding medical assistance eligibility. Critics may argue that broadening assistance might require additional state resources or could complicate compliance with existing federal guidelines. Additionally, before any provision of the bill is implemented, state agencies are required to seek necessary waivers or authorizations from federal entities, which may delay the actual rollout of any new programs designed under this bill.