Texas House Bill HB3793

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to powers, duties, and services of entities serving counties and county residents.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3793 would impose mandatory payments uniformly across institutional health care providers in the district, which can amount to a percentage of the providers' net patient revenue. The revenues generated will specifically be allocated towards funding Medicaid programs and other healthcare-related expenses in the districts. This funding mechanism is intended to enhance the healthcare services available in underserved areas while also ensuring that local hospitals can remain afloat financially in providing necessary services to low-income patients.

Summary

House Bill 3793 aims to amend Chapter 288 of the Health and Safety Code, specifically concerning the creation and management of health care funding districts in counties located on the Texas-Mexico border. The bill establishes provisions for the imposition of mandatory payments on institutional health care providers located within these districts. These payments are designed to generate revenue for the nonfederal share of Medicaid supplemental payments and to fund indigent care programs. Each district created under this framework is governed by a commission consisting of the county's commissioners court, which adds a layer of local governance to the management of these funds.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding HB 3793 involves the potential financial burden that mandatory payments may place on local healthcare providers, particularly smaller hospitals that may struggle to meet these payment requirements. Critics argue that such a system could inadvertently lead to increased healthcare costs for patients or hinder access to services, particularly in rural areas along the border. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness and governance of the district commissions in managing funds and ensuring that revenue is appropriately utilized for the benefit of the community.