Texas House Bill HB743

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to health benefits coverage for certain persons under the child health plan and other programs.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code and sets forth provisions for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to apply for federal waivers to facilitate the implementation of the project. It requires that covered individuals take on the full premium costs, as well as any additional cost-sharing payments, which has raised questions about the affordability and accessibility of the coverage. If successful, this project could lead to significant improvements in the health outcomes of families who otherwise struggle to obtain health benefits.

Summary

House Bill 743 seeks to extend health benefits coverage to certain parents through a demonstration project linked to the state’s child health plan. It specifically targets parents of children who are receiving medical assistance or are enrolled in the child health plan, allowing them to access health benefits if their family income is at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. This initiative hopes to address gaps in healthcare access for parents who are not currently eligible for medical assistance and do not have adequate health coverage of their own.

Contention

Notably, while proponents argue that the bill addresses critical health disparities and provides necessary support to low-income parents, there are concerns about the exclusive responsibility placed on individuals to cover their premiums. Additionally, the bill does not establish an entitlement to assistance, which may leave many prospective beneficiaries without coverage options despite their eligibility under the poverty guidelines. This lack of guaranteed access could undermine the bill's intended goals.