HBA-JEK, MPM H.B. 1106 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1106
By: Maxey
Public Health
2/11/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the cost of hospital costs for prenatal, delivery, and newborn
care in Texas funded by Medicaid is increasing.  The Texas Department of
Health reports that it is cost-effective for the state to spend money on
family planning services.  Pursuing a Medicaid waiver to allow the state to
expand eligibility for family planning services to women living at or below
185 percent of the federal poverty level could allow more women to receive
such services.  House Bill 1106 sets an income eligibility cap for Medicaid
assistance at 185 percent of the federal poverty level, contingent on a
federal waiver.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1106 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Texas
Department of Human Services (DHS) to set the income eligibility cap for
Medicaid assistance at no less than 185 percent of the federal poverty
level for family planning services for women.  The bill requires DHS to
request a waiver or authorization from the federal government to implement
this provision. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.