Texas Senate Bill SB1127

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the period of continuous eligibility for the medical assistance program.

Impact

The bill aims to streamline access to medical assistance for children and reduce administrative burdens related to eligibility reviews. By allowing for continuous eligibility, advocates argue that families will face less uncertainty regarding healthcare coverage, which could lead to improved health outcomes for children. Additionally, it is expected to ease the operational workload on agencies responsible for managing these cases, allowing them to focus resources on other crucial services.

Summary

SB1127 proposes amendments to the Texas Human Resources Code concerning the period of continuous eligibility for medical assistance for children under 19 years of age. Under the provisions of the bill, once a child is determined eligible for medical assistance, they will remain eligible without further review, even if there are changes in their resources or income. This extended eligibility lasts until one year after eligibility is first confirmed or until the child's 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

Contention

While the bill presents potential benefits for children's healthcare access, it may also be met with scrutiny regarding the implications of unreviewed eligibility. Critics may express concerns about the potential for increased costs to the state if ineligible children remain on assistance due to lack of regular review. There may be discussions around how to balance maintaining healthcare access with ensuring that assistance programs are not being misused or inadequately funded, prompting debates on fiscal responsibility versus access to care.