Texas House Bill HB510

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a Medicaid buy-in program for Medicaid recipients with increased household income from employment.

Impact

If enacted, HB 510 would have a significant impact on Texas state laws surrounding Medicaid and employment. The program, as outlined in the bill, must closely adhere to the existing Medicaid buy-in programs for individuals with disabilities. By expanding the parameters for Medicaid eligibility, the legislation could help address gaps in healthcare access for low-income working individuals, thereby promoting economic mobility while ensuring that increased income does not lead to a loss of crucial healthcare services.

Summary

House Bill 510 proposes the establishment of a Medicaid buy-in program specifically designed for Medicaid recipients whose eligibility is being terminated due to an increase in their household income from employment. This program aims to provide a safety net for individuals transitioning into higher income brackets, allowing them to maintain healthcare coverage under Medicaid rather than losing it entirely when their earnings increase. The bill highlights the need for a system that acknowledges the financial challenges faced by working individuals who may not earn enough to afford private insurance yet exceed Medicaid eligibility limits.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 510 may include concerns regarding program sustainability and funding, particularly in the context of rising state healthcare costs. Advocates for the bill argue that it creates an essential pathway for individuals to transition from Medicaid to self-sufficiency without losing critical health services, while opponents may raise issues about the potential increase in state expenditures related to expanding Medicaid. There may also be discussions on the operational parameters of the program, such as rules around income thresholds and the implications for those who may be required to pay premiums or cost-sharing amounts.