Texas Senate Bill SB2223

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to Medicaid funding in this state, including the federal government's participation in that funding.

Impact

This bill directly impacts how Medicaid is financed in Texas, potentially transitioning the state from its existing funding system to a block grant or alternative model. By mandating that any funding modifications maintain adequate support for anticipated growth in Medicaid enrollment and adhere to changes in healthcare trends, SB2223 seeks to secure necessary funding without compromising service quality or access. It emphasizes that eligibility and benefits cannot be diminished under the modified funding system, ensuring continued support for vulnerable populations.

Summary

SB2223 focuses on optimizing Medicaid funding in Texas by amending provisions related to financial participation from the federal government. It aims to enhance the state's ability to secure federal funds for its Medicaid program while encouraging preventive care and maintaining a robust provider network. The bill establishes clear guidelines for the implementation of waivers and other authorizations that could change the funding model used for Medicaid. The principal goal is to ensure that residents' interests are preserved in any changes made to the program.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the implementation of such waivers and the shift toward block grants, as some stakeholders fear that these changes could lead to reduced federal financial participation or restrict eligibility for certain groups. Critics might argue that the move to block grants could prioritize cost-cutting over comprehensive care, potentially affecting Medicaid recipients. The bill includes provisions to mitigate these risks by enforcing eligibility and benefit standards that cannot be made more restrictive than those in place as of January 1, 2017.