Texas House Bill HB583

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/30/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to expansion of the electronic eligibility information pilot project operated by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws related to healthcare eligibility, particularly in how applications for benefits are processed and evaluated. By facilitating the direct importation of electronic applications to state systems, such as the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS), the bill promotes efficiency and expedites healthcare access for those in need. Moreover, the requirements set forth for local officials and indigent care providers to support the project suggests an effort to enhance collaborative efforts between state and local agencies in delivering health services.

Summary

House Bill 583 focuses on the expansion of the electronic eligibility information pilot project managed by the Health and Human Services Commission in Texas. The bill mandates the establishment of a pilot project in at least two urban areas, aimed at improving the efficiency of accepting electronic eligibility information directly from regional indigent care collaborative systems for evaluating eligibility for various health and human services programs. This initiative underscores the state's aim to integrate advanced technology into healthcare service delivery, thus attempting to streamline processes that currently face bureaucratic hurdles.

Contention

However, the expansion raises pertinent concerns regarding data privacy and the security of personal information. The bill stipulates compliance with both federal and state privacy laws, yet there are ongoing discussions about the adequacy of current protections, especially in safeguarding sensitive information of recipients. Additionally, as various stakeholders prepare for the potential implementation of this bill, there will be a need for a thorough evaluation of the projected costs versus the benefits, emphasizing a cautious approach to integrating such electronic systems in public service initiatives.