Bill: HB 2658, 87(R) - 2021

Committee

House Human Services

2nd Chamber Committee

Senate Health and Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Positive Neutral Positive Positive Positive

Author(s)

James Frank

Sponsor(s)

Lois Kolkhorst

Bill Caption

Relating to the Medicaid program, including the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program. 

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time, primarily due to uncertainty regarding utilization of new programs and services and the effect on utilization of existing programs and services. 

The Health and Human Services Commission, Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board are required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the agencies may, but are not required to , implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that purpose. 

Bill Analysis

HB 2658 would require the Health and Human Services Commission to develop and implement a program to improve the quality of care and lower costs in Medicaid by reducing avoidable hospitalizations, encouraging transports to alternative care settings; and providing greater flexibility to ambulance care. This program would be substantively similar to the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport model. HB 2658 would require the Commission to study cost-effectiveness of providing in-home support to a Medicaid recipient's care team after the recipient's discharge from a hospital; and the feasibility of allowing a Medicaid managed care organization to treat payments to certified nurse aides providing care as quality improvement costs. A report on this would be submitted by December 1, 2022. 

The commission would then study the feasibility of creating an online portal for placement on a Medicaid waiver program internet list, and the most cost-effective automated method for determining the level of need. A report on this would be submitted by January 1, 2023. HB 2658 would then require the commission to develop procedures surrounding the notification regarding consumer direction models and consent and is implemented by each Medicaid Managed Care organization. HB 2658 would require the commission to develop and implement a pilot program designed to provide coordinated care through a health home to children with complex medical conditions. A report on this would be submitted by December 31, 2024. 

HB 2658 would require the Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules establishing minimum performance standards for nursing facility providers to participate in the Star+Plus Medicaid managed care program. HB 2658 then implements several changes to the Medicaid managed care programs to help with disease management, medication therapy management, and prevent excessive emergency room visits. 

HB 2658 would then ensure reimbursement for services under the School Health and Related Services Program and require parental consent for services. The quality Initiatives and Education Incentives would have specific quality initiatives for attendants and develop a program to facilitate the award of academic or workforce education credits for programs of study leading to a degree, certificate, or credential in a health-related field. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 2658 creates multiple different programs and studies designed to improve the services provided by the government and better health outcomes for individuals involved in state funded health plans. HB 2658 would start improving the healthcare industry in Texas and lower the costs of healthcare services by providing greater choices. HB 2658 therefore would benefit the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, the free market, and individual liberty. Texas Action supports HB 2658. 


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 08:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/87r/hb2658?print_view=true