Texas Senate Bill SB1841

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a managed care pilot program to prevent high-risk pregnancies that result in the birth of premature or low birth weight infants.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would significantly impact state laws regarding maternal health services, particularly within the scope of the Medicaid program. It proposes an innovative approach to continuity of care by ensuring that eligible women can transition seamlessly from Medicaid for pregnant women into this specialized pilot program. Moreover, the program is designed to be implemented in Bexar County and its contiguous areas, targeting regions with potentially higher incidences of such high-risk pregnancies.

Summary

SB1841 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a managed care pilot program in Texas to address the issue of high-risk pregnancies leading to premature or low birth weight infants. The bill specifically focuses on providing healthcare services for a duration of 18 months following the termination of Medicaid coverage for pregnant women. This initiative is particularly targeted at women who have delivered either premature or low-birth-weight infants, providing them with necessary postnatal healthcare services to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes.

Contention

While the bill underscores the importance of supporting women facing high-risk pregnancies, it may draw discussions around the logistics and funding implications of establishing such a pilot program. Concerns could arise regarding the budget neutrality of the program, as the bill mandates a report to the legislature on its financial sustainability. The possibility of securing federal funding, including Medicaid and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), raises questions on federal-state interactions and might spark debate on comprehensive maternal care policies in Texas.