Texas Senate Bill SB2241

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a Medicaid hospital level of care waiver program for certain medically fragile individuals.

Impact

If enacted, SB2241 would significantly alter the landscape of Medicaid services in Texas for the medically fragile population. The bill mandates the inclusion of various essential services such as case management, attendant care, rehabilitation, respite and companion care, private duty nursing, and in-home support. This broadening of service provision aims at addressing the complex needs of medically fragile individuals, facilitating better health outcomes and enhancing their quality of life.

Summary

SB2241 proposes the establishment of a Medicaid hospital level of care waiver program specifically designed for medically fragile individuals who are 21 years of age or older. The intent of this bill is to enhance the range of medical assistance services available under the Medicaid program, particularly for individuals who require hospital-level care. By applying for a waiver under Section 1915(c) of the federal Social Security Act, the Texas Department of Human Services aims to secure the flexibility needed to tailor services beyond those available through standard Medicaid coverage.

Contention

A potential point of contention surrounding SB2241 could be the cost implications associated with implementing the waiver program. To ensure that the services added under this program remain cost-neutral and do not overlap with existing services, strict coordination with other federal waiver programs is required. This emphasis on cost neutrality is critical as stakeholders and policymakers will need to balance ensuring comprehensive care with budgetary constraints. Moreover, obtaining required approvals from federal agencies before proceeding with the implementation may delay the bill's effectiveness, creating uncertainty about the timeline for service delivery.