Bill

HB 72

86(R) - 2019
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Health & Human Services
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Health & Human Services
Adoption
Healthcare

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

James White
Donna Howard
Theresa Meza
Gene Wu

Co-Author(s)

Ana-Maria Ramos

Sponsor(s)

Angela Paxton

Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation of Medicaid benefits provided to certain children adopted from the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. Additional costs relating to a health benefit subsidy to be paid on behalf of certain adopted children who are eligible for Medicaid but not receiving benefits cannot be determined as the number of children eligible for, but not receiving, Medicaid is unknown. 

Bill Analysis

Star Health is a Medicaid managed care program serving children and youth in foster care in all 254 counties in Texas.

HB 72 would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to ensure that each child who resides in Texas and who is eligible for certain adoption assistance or services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or for assistance or services provided under the permanency care assistance program, remains or is enrolled in the STAR Health program (unless or until the child is enrolled in another Medicaid managed care program). The adoptive parent of such a child who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or was receiving SSI before becoming eligible for the applicable assistance, would be able to elect on the child's behalf to receive or continue receiving benefits under the STAR program. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 72 because it does not affect our liberty principles.