Texas House Bill HB3788

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing the supporting medically fragile children program.

Impact

The bill outlines eligibility for assistance, specifically including recipients of several waiver programs such as the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) and the STAR Kids managed care program. By creating the Supporting Medically Fragile Children Account, the bill ensures that there is a dedicated fund sourced from legislative appropriations, donations, and grants that can be utilized solely for the purposes of this program. This dedicated funding stream is expected to enhance the capacity to support families and healthcare providers engaged in the care of medically fragile children.

Summary

House Bill 3788 aims to establish the Supporting Medically Fragile Children Program under the Human Resources Code in Texas. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible recipients who require vital healthcare services that have either been delayed or denied under Medicaid. The assistance would be granted in the form of direct reimbursements to health care providers, ensuring that medically fragile children receive necessary medical care more promptly.

Contention

While the establishment of this program appears beneficial, there may be contention regarding the adequacy of funding and the program's implementation. Concerns may arise about whether the financial assistance provided will be sufficient to cover the extensive healthcare needs of these children and if the reimbursement process will be efficient enough to resolve delays in care. Additionally, some stakeholders may raise the issue of how the program interacts with existing Medicaid regulations and the potential need for federal waivers to effectively implement certain provisions of the bill.