Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB663

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.

Impact

The legislation's impact on state law revolves around the formal establishment of a framework for home and community-based services, which have historically faced challenges related to funding and accessibility. By mandating the creation of an advisory committee, the bill lays the groundwork for ongoing consultation among stakeholders, including Medicaid programs, service agencies, and recipients. This committee is tasked with developing sustainable payment methodologies, recognizing the need for coordination in service delivery, and implementing strategies that directly address hospitalization reductions and overall program integrity.

Summary

SB663 focuses on developing a strategic plan for home and community-based services under Medicaid and the child health plan program in Texas. This bill seeks to ensure that Medicaid recipients and child health plan enrollees have sufficient access to essential home and community-based services. The key provisions of this bill include establishing definitions for various services, developing a rate methodology to facilitate access, and taking stock of unmet service needs. The strategic plan is intended to align service delivery standards with specific parameters tailored to the needs of beneficiaries, including the types of services available and geographic distribution.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB663 appears to be supportive, as it aims to strengthen the infrastructure supporting home and community-based services for vulnerable populations. Stakeholders recognize the importance of these services, but there are concerns regarding the execution of the plan and whether sufficient funding will accompany the strategic framework. Advocacy groups and representatives from the healthcare sector are proactively engaging in discussions to promote the bill and ensure that necessary resources align with the objectives outlined within the proposed legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB663 include apprehension about whether the proposed rate methodologies will genuinely reflect the needs of service providers and recipients. Critics point to past challenges in similar programs, where a lack of adequate funding impeded the effective delivery of services. Additionally, there is ongoing discourse regarding the optimal composition of the advisory committee. Ensuring it includes diverse representation from both urban and rural service agencies—as well as voices from the communities served—is a key concern that may shape the future success and acceptance of the strategic plan.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 531. Health And Human Services Commission
    • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 32. Medical Assistance Program
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB1798

Identical Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1798

Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.

TX HB4117

Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.

TX H1047

Home and Community-based Services Medicaid Waiver Program

TX A4585

Requires DHS to increase home and community-based services under Medicaid.

TX HB1267

Relating to certain Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs.

TX HB322

Public Health - Home- and Community-Based Services for Children and Youth

TX SB255

Public Health - Home- and Community-Based Services for Children and Youth

TX HB4115

Relating to the establishment of a home and community support services improvement pilot program under the Medicaid managed care program.

TX SB29

Relating to certain Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs.

TX SF1900

Home and community-based services systemic critical incident review team establishment

Similar Bills

NV AB556

Revises provisions relating to Medicaid. (BDR 38-1117)

KY HB789

AN ACT relating to advisory oversight of the Medicaid program.

WV SB791

Modifying membership requirements of Medical Services Fund Advisory Council

MS SB2867

Medicaid; make various amendments to the provisions of the program.

NV SB400

Revises provisions relating to homelessness. (BDR 38-1027)

NV SB400A

Revises provisions relating to homelessness. (BDR 38-1027)

TX SB7

Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports.

TX SB277

Relating to certain health-related and other task forces and advisory committees.