Texas House Bill HB4115

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a home and community support services improvement pilot program under the Medicaid managed care program.

Impact

This bill will amend existing laws to reinforce the Medicaid managed care program by instituting stricter oversight and better service standards for personal care agencies that provide support services. It is expected to lead to significant improvements in health outcomes for those receiving care, as well as potential cost savings for the state. Further improvements include the establishment of a personal care attendant registry to track performance and compliance over time, ensuring accountability within the system.

Summary

House Bill 4115 establishes a pilot program aimed at improving the delivery of home and community support services under the Medicaid managed care program in Texas. This initiative is specifically designed to service Region 11 and intends to serve between 15,000 to 20,000 recipients by its final year of operation. The bill focuses on elevating the standards for provider agencies, enhancing training for personal care attendants, and layering additional fraud, waste, and abuse prevention protocols. With these actions, the bill strives to also decrease the rate of rehospitalization and unplanned doctor visits among recipients.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention regarding the bill's provisions for increased monitoring and oversight of personal care services. Critics express concerns over the potential administrative burden this may impose on provider agencies, particularly smaller ones who may struggle to meet the heightened requirements. Additionally, the extensive measures aimed at fraud prevention may lead to bureaucratic complexities that could hinder quick service delivery, ultimately affecting the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations.