Texas House Bill HB4138

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the process for determining the Medicaid eligibility of certain former foster care youth.

Impact

By introducing a streamlined eligibility determination process, this bill seeks to prevent any unnecessary interruptions in Medicaid benefits. This is particularly significant for former foster care youth who may face challenges in maintaining their healthcare coverage after aging out of the foster system. The inclusion of automatic enrollment and the option for online recertification aims to ease the administrative burden on the affected individuals and minimize the risk of benefit gaps.

Summary

House Bill 4138 aims to streamline the process for determining Medicaid eligibility for certain former foster care youth in Texas. The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of Medicaid enrollment and recertification for these youths. The Department of Family and Protective Services is tasked with certifying the income and assets of individuals when they exit substitute care, ensuring their continued eligibility for medical assistance for the maximum duration allowed under federal law.

Contention

While the bill is oriented towards supporting a vulnerable population, concerns may arise regarding the implementation of certain provisions. The requirement for state agencies to request waivers or authorizations from federal agencies before enacting specific parts of the law could delay the benefits intended for the youths. There may also be discussions about the adequacy of the proposed system in addressing the unique needs and circumstances of former foster care kids, particularly in relation to their residency requirements.