Texas House Bill HB862

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to eligibility for the child health plan program.

Impact

The impact of HB 862 extends into the Health and Safety Code, as it amends existing income eligibility requirements that previously limited the program to families earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. By increasing this threshold to 300 percent, more families will have access to health benefits, which proponents argue will enhance children’s healthcare access and improve overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 862 seeks to modify eligibility for the Child Health Plan Program in Texas by introducing a buy-in option for families with incomes exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. This legislation aims to provide opportunities for families that do not qualify for free health benefits due to their income but still wish to obtain health coverage for their children. The bill requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to develop rules that support this new buy-in option.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding HB 862. Critics may express concerns about the financial implications of implementing a buy-in option, especially regarding the costs that families will bear, including the full payment of premiums and possible deductibles. There may also be discussions around the effectiveness of the program in keeping employers from discontinuing health benefits for their employees' children, which the bill aims to address through provisions designed to discourage such practices.