Texas House Bill HB1871

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a person's eligibility for Medicaid.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1871 is expected to increase the rigor of eligibility verification for Medicaid recipients, significantly impacting how benefits are distributed. This move may lead to a reduction in the number of individuals receiving assistance as stricter proof of income and residency requirements are enforced. The bill also allows recipients to have their eligibility reinstated without a new application, provided they meet the established criteria before the end of their eligibility period, thereby ensuring a pathway for those who may initially fail to comply.

Summary

House Bill 1871 seeks to amend the eligibility criteria for individuals applying for Medicaid, focusing on ensuring that applicants provide comprehensive proof of income and state residency. The bill mandates that applicants must submit evidence of at least one month's income from all sources and proof of residency in Texas when applying for or recertifying their eligibility for medical assistance benefits. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that recipients will receive notice about their eligibility requirements 60 days prior to their eligibility period expiration, emphasizing the need for compliance to maintain their benefits.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1871 primarily focuses on the balance between efficient oversight of Medicaid benefits and the potential for disenfranchisement of eligible recipients. Proponents argue that such stringent measures are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure that benefits are rightly allocated to individuals who truly qualify. Conversely, critics express concerns that the additional requirements and lack of support during the verification process could disproportionately affect low-income individuals, thereby limiting access to necessary healthcare services.