Texas Senate Bill SJR11

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to develop and seek appropriate authorization under the federal Medicaid program to implement the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals.

Impact

If adopted, this amendment is expected to significantly impact Texas state laws concerning healthcare access. By creating provisions that facilitate the Live Well Texas program, the amendment aims to expand Medicaid eligibility and ensure that more individuals can benefit from federal support. This could lead to improvements in public health outcomes across communities in Texas, particularly among low-income populations who face barriers to accessing healthcare services.

Summary

SJR11 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state of Texas to seek federal authorization to implement the Live Well Texas program, which aims to provide health benefit coverage to specific individuals. The amendment stipulates that the state must develop and seek a waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to leverage federal matching funds for the program. This initiative may enable the state to enhance healthcare access for residents who would otherwise struggle to obtain necessary health benefits, aligning with the goals of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Contention

While supporters of SJR11 argue that the measure will provide crucial healthcare coverage to vulnerable populations, critics may raise concerns about the long-term implications for state finances and the potential for increased reliance on federal funding. Additionally, debates may occur around the specific details of the Live Well Texas program and how effectively it would be implemented, including its capacity to meet the needs of its target demographic. The discussions surrounding SJR11 are likely to mirror broader national conversations about healthcare reform and the role of state versus federal responsibilities.