Texas House Bill HB582

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to informing the parents and guardians of certain children about the availability of the child health plan and medical assistance programs.

Impact

The impact of HB 582 is significant, as it addresses potential gaps in healthcare coverage for children after a parent's employment with the state ends. By informing parents of alternative insurance options provided by the state, the bill seeks to reduce the number of uninsured children and promote better health outcomes. This aligns with broader efforts to improve public health services and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to necessary resources.

Summary

House Bill 582 focuses on enhancing communication with the parents and guardians of children regarding their potential eligibility for child health programs after losing dependent coverage due to an employee's termination from state employment. The bill mandates that the board of trustees establish procedures to inform parents when their children become ineligible for certain health coverages. This aims to ensure that families are aware of and able to access available health services under state programs such as the child health plan and medical assistance programs.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial in promoting public health, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of such notification procedures. Ensuring that parents receive timely and comprehensive information could present logistical challenges. Additionally, some stakeholders might question whether existing programs can adequately handle any increase in enrollment as a result of heightened awareness, raising concerns about resource allocation and program sustainability.