Texas House Bill HB2865

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/14/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/30/25

Caption

Relating to conducting an ex parte renewal of a recipient's Medicaid eligibility.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2865 would have a significant effect on how the Texas Health and Human Services Commission administers Medicaid eligibility checks. By disallowing ex parte renewals, the bill emphasizes the necessity of actively obtaining and verifying information from beneficiaries. This shift could lead to more accurate assessments of eligibility, thereby potentially increasing the accessibility of Medicaid for those who need it. The bill also mandates that the commission seek federal waivers necessary for implementation, indicating a structural change in how the state interacts with federal assistance programs.

Summary

House Bill 2865 aims to amend the Government Code regarding the process of Medicaid eligibility renewal. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of ex parte renewals, which are automatic redeterminations conducted without requiring direct information from the recipient. Instead, eligibility must be established based on verifiable electronic data or information provided by the recipient. This legislative change seeks to ensure that the eligibility assessment process is thorough and reliant on up-to-date recipient information, rather than automated methods that may overlook crucial changes in circumstances.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2865 appears to be generally positive among proponents who argue it represents a more humane and thorough approach to health care access. Advocates for the bill stress the importance of ensuring that all recipients have their circumstances updated and accurately represented, which could help prevent unjust eligibility denials. Nonetheless, there may be concerns about the potential for increased administrative burden on state agencies, as strict compliance with verification processes could require additional resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2865 include concerns regarding the impact of stricter eligibility verification on vulnerable populations. Critics may argue that the elimination of ex parte renewals could inadvertently create barriers for recipients who might struggle to provide updated information promptly, thus risking gaps in health coverage. The balance between preventing fraud and ensuring access to necessary health services for those in need will likely be a central theme in discussions regarding the bill's implications.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 532. Medicaid Administration And Operation In General
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

• Chapter 33. Nutritional Assistance Programs
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section