Texas Senate Bill SB423

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to expanding eligibility for medical assistance to certain persons under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and ensuring the provision of quality care under and the effectiveness of the medical assistance program.

Impact

The passing of SB423 is likely to significantly increase the number of individuals who qualify for medical assistance in Texas. By rolling out provisions under the Affordable Care Act, the state could potentially reduce the number of uninsured residents, thus mitigating healthcare costs associated with emergency services and unchecked illnesses due to lack of early medical intervention. However, the bill explicitly does not extend eligibility to undocumented immigrants, which may spark debates about the inclusivity of healthcare provisions.

Summary

SB423 seeks to expand eligibility for medical assistance under the framework of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation specifically aims to assist individuals who, as of December 31, 2013, did not qualify for medical assistance but have since become eligible under federal guidelines. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) provide medical assistance to all qualifying applicants, contingent upon the availability of federal matching funds.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for ceasing benefits if there are changes in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which could lead to unpredictable outcomes for individuals relying on the expanded assistance. The requirement for the HHSC to provide an annual report on the effects of this expansion adds a layer of accountability but also raises concerns about the state's capacity to meet the legislative mandates, especially concerning increasing healthcare costs and potential budget strains on local health systems.