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 program 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

SB 2028 would require the Health and Human Services Commission to study the cost-effectiveness of implementing a nurse-aid program that would allow nurse-aids to provide in-home supports after a Medicaid recipient is released from the hospital.  Also, the bill would require the study of the feasibility of developing an online Medicaid waiver request portal.

The bill would create a pilot program to provide coordinated care to children with medically complex medical conditions and submit reports regarding the pilot program to the legislature. 

SB 2029 would also require the commission to:

• implement the most cost-effective option for the delivery of STAR Habitation services and STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care organizations
• prioritize the enrollment in Medicaid waiver programs based on the level of need
• develop a procedure to verify that Medicaid recipients understand their consumer direction model
• develop and adopt a policy for Medicaid managed care programs for coordination and delivery of benefits
• reform community attendant services program to streamline their application and hiring process
• ensure education and workforce credits for degrees and certifications

SB 2028 would require the Executive commissioner of HHSC to implement medication therapy management services. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 2028 makes various changes to the delivery of Medicaid programs, seeking to streamline services and make the system more efficient. 

Because of the indeterminate amount needed to implement the provisions of this bill, Texas Action remains neutral.