Texas Senate Bill SB1769

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a pilot program for providing services to certain children under the Medicaid medical transportation program.

Impact

If implemented effectively, the pilot program is expected to yield significant improvements in maternal health metrics, including a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will oversee the program, guiding its development and implementation across various healthcare service regions. The evaluation aspect is particularly notable, as the results will be assessed based on the health outcomes of participating pregnant women and their children, necessitating coordination with existing maternal health task forces.

Summary

SB1769 establishes a pilot program in Texas aimed at enhancing medical transportation services for children accompanying pregnant mothers on Medicaid. The bill seeks to increase access to both prenatal and postpartum care, with overarching goals of reducing complications related to pregnancy and improving health outcomes for both mothers and infants. By facilitating transportation to healthcare services, it aims to address critical issues surrounding maternity care and enhance the overall health of vulnerable populations.

Contention

Discussions around SB1769 may bring forth points of contention regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the pilot program in achieving its goals. Critics may argue about the sustainability of funding for such initiatives and whether the pilot program adequately addresses the needs of all vulnerable groups. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the potential necessity of federal waivers for certain provisions, impacting the program's rollout and execution. Overall, while the bill is designed to bolster maternal health services, its success will hinge on robust evaluation and implementation strategies.