Bill

HB 3158

83(R) - 2013
Adoption
Health & Human Services
Healthcare
Insurance

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

John Zerwas

Bill Caption

Relating to certain contracts for Medicaid managed care.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 3158 would create a pilot program in the Dallas Area. The Health and Human Services Commission would be able to work directly with Healthcare Collaboratives in order to remove the Managed Care Organization (MCO) acting as the middle man in the relationship. Currently, physicians are not able to work with the HHSC to receive money directly for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients. Right now, HHSC gives money to the MCO (for Medicaid and CHIP patients) who then gives money to the health care providers.

Analysis: It is important for Texas to be creative in dealing with healthcare and Medicaid. The current system is not working and the state is under enormous pressure to adopt the federal healthcare program. Pilot programs like this will do a lot to move Texas in the right direction towards solving the problem. TPPA supports HB 3158.