Texas Senate Bill SB1093

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of children and prioritization of persons on waiting lists for certain Medicaid long-term care services waiver programs.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts how children are assessed and placed on waiting lists for Medicaid long-term care services. It allows for children who lose eligibility to request a return to the MDCP interest list or to be placed on another relevant waiver program’s interest list. Importantly, children who are ineligible due to care criteria are given priority placement on the interest list, which could improve access to necessary medical support for these vulnerable populations. Moreover, the bill stipulates that those reassessed should be processed swiftly, thus ensuring timely access to care.

Summary

SB1093 is a bill that amends the Texas Government Code to address the eligibility of children for Medicaid long-term care services under specific waiver programs. The bill proposes the establishment of interest lists for certain waiver programs, particularly focusing on children who transition out of eligibility from the Medically Dependent Children (MDCP) waiver program due to age or care criteria changes. The intent is to ensure that children's needs are prioritized effectively when they are either losing eligibility or becoming reliant on alternative waiver services.

Contention

Notably, contention surrounding the bill focuses on the methodologies of assessing children's care needs and the fairness of prioritization on waiting lists. Critics could argue that the bill may inadvertently overlook some children's specific needs in favor of a more standardized approach. Additionally, while the expedited reassessment aims to streamline processes, concerns regarding resource allocation and the potential lag in service delivery remain points of discussion among stakeholders, including health care advocates and community service organizations. Overall, the bill reflects an ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for children with specialized needs.