Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

5/23/2015 update:

Although this bill has been amended since we reported on it in its original chamber, we continue to support HB 3519. The first and second chamber analyses are below.

The second chamber sponsor is Senator Watson.

First chamber analysis below:

The bill would require that telemonitoring services are made available only to a person who is diagnosed with certain conditions or another condition for which the commission makes an evidence-based determination that monitoring through the use of home telemonitoring services is cost-effective and feasible. The bill also requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to provide home telemonitoring to certain pediatric clients with complex medical needs who: 

1. are being concurrently treated by at least three medical specialists; 
2. are medically dependent on technology;
3. are diagnosed with end-stage solid organ disease; or
4. require medical ventilation.

The bill would require Medicaid to provide reimbursement for home telemonitoring services in the event of an unsuccessful data transmission if the provider of the services attempts to communicate with the patient by telephone or in person to establish a successful data transmission. In addition, the bill would extend home telemonitoring medical reimbursement through 2021.

Second chamber analysis below:

The bill would extend home telemonitoring medical reimbursement through 2019. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Proponents of this telemonitoring services assert that such communication saves time and money for both the doctor and the patient, allows doctors to easily keep track of a patient's progress and condition, and provides patients and their families a cheaper alternative to expensive face-to-face visits. The proponents further assert that the technology is particularly helpful for children with complex medical conditions. 

Continuing access to care through technological advancement while saving taxpayers' money promotes our limited government principle. We support HB 3519.