Texas House Bill HB2342

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study on Medicaid managed care.

Impact

The bill requires an analysis of various fiscal aspects including delays in provider payments and voluntary reimbursement rate reductions implemented by Medicaid managed care organizations. By focusing on the period from March 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, the study will provide insights into the operational efficiency and effectiveness of managed care organizations, potentially influencing future health policies and budget allocations. The findings are expected to form a basis for the state’s strategic decisions regarding Medicaid financing and service delivery frameworks.

Summary

House Bill 2342 focuses on the evaluation of the changes made to Medicaid managed care as stipulated in prior legislation, specifically addressing the purported cost savings associated with such changes. The bill mandates the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the accuracy of the Legislative Budget Board's estimate regarding financial savings of approximately $467 million during the fiscal biennium that concluded in 2013. This study primarily aims to scrutinize the effects of Medicaid managed care expansion on the service delivery model within the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill also carries an expiration clause set for December 31, 2019, indicating that its study findings will need to be reported to the state leadership by the end of 2018. This creates a critical timeline for the Health and Human Services Commission to deliver actionable insights while also raising questions about the sustainability of the Medicaid managed care structure post-study. Stakeholders in the healthcare field may have varying opinions based on the study's outcomes, particularly regarding who benefits from managed care and whether the cost savings translate to improved service quality for Medicaid recipients.