Texas House Bill HB3191

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/12/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists in Medicaid managed care provider networks providing services in the Texas-Mexico border region and other regions of the state.

Impact

The bill specifically amends Chapter 533 of the Government Code by adding Section 533.0065, which will require managed care organizations to incorporate qualified eye care professionals in their networks. This change could potentially lead to an increase in eye health resources available to community members, reflecting a legislative effort to bridge gaps in healthcare access based on geographical and demographic factors.

Summary

House Bill 3191 is focused on improving access to eye care services in the Texas-Mexico border region and other areas of the state by mandating that Medicaid managed care organizations include optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists in their provider networks. This inclusion is intended to enhance the availability of eye health care services for Medicaid recipients in these areas, thereby addressing a significant healthcare accessibility issue.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve healthcare access, some contention may arise around the practical implications of its implementation. Concerns might center on the financial feasibility for managed care organizations to include additional providers and the potential for increased costs in the Medicaid program. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study on the fiscal impacts, indicating that there may be varying opinions on the immediate versus long-term benefits of the proposed changes.