Texas House Bill HB3891

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the use of certain criteria to determine certain individuals' eligibility for benefits under a Medicaid waiver program.

Note

The bill's provisions are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, pending any necessary federal waivers for implementation, underscoring the intersection between state law and federal guidelines in the realm of healthcare service delivery.

Impact

If passed, HB 3891 would change the eligibility landscape within Texas for Medicaid waiver programs. By specifically excluding IQ as a determining factor for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome, the bill underscores a shift towards a more inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. It is anticipated to facilitate access to essential health services that may have previously been denied based on IQ assumptions, which can often be misleading or unfairly restrictive.

Summary

House Bill 3891 seeks to amend existing Texas Medicaid waiver program eligibility requirements by prohibiting the use of intelligence quotient (IQ) criteria for individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals with this genetic disorder can qualify for benefits without being subjected to IQ testing, thereby potentially broadening access to necessary support services and healthcare resources for this population. The bill addresses an important consideration regarding how disabilities are assessed in the context of state-sponsored health benefits.

Contention

While proponents of the bill may argue that removing IQ criteria helps to combat discrimination and ensures that all individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome have equal opportunities to access benefits, there could be concerns raised by opponents. Critics of the bill may worry about the implications of removing established eligibility criteria, fearing that it could lead to increased strain on Medicaid resources or open the door to potential misuse of the program. Thus, ongoing discussions within the legislature may focus on finding a balance between ensuring access to benefits and maintaining the integrity of Medicaid resources.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 546. Long-term Care And Support Options For Individuals With Disabilities And Elderly Individuals
  • Section: New Section