Texas House Bill HB3520

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to state fiscal matters related to health and human services and state agencies administering health and human services programs.

Impact

The bill is structured to amend existing laws governing Medicaid and other health services, aiming to improve access and coordination of care for recipients. For example, it introduces care coordination benefits under Medicaid, which means recipients will have assistance in developing and executing service plans tailored to their needs. This emphasis on care coordination is intended to mitigate redundancies in service delivery and enhance health outcomes across the board, especially for those with complex needs.

Summary

House Bill 3520 addresses state fiscal matters related to health and human services in Texas, primarily focusing on programs managed by various state agencies. It allows these agencies to streamline expenditures through measures such as consolidating reports, extending licenses, and entering contracts with other entities to optimize their operations. The goal of these provisions is to enhance efficiency while ensuring that essential programs continue to function effectively under potentially tighter budgetary constraints.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 3520 indicates there may be concerns regarding the potential implications of increased administrative power given to state agencies. Critics argue that while streamlining services can lead to cost savings, it might also risk overshadowing individual needs and local service capabilities. Furthermore, the adequacy of funding for these programs is likely to be a point of contention, particularly as the bill sets up grant systems for community collaboratives focused on mental health, which requires matching funds that could be challenging for local entities to secure.