HBA-NRS H.B. 1537 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1537
By: Coleman
Public Health
7/10/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., examined methods
for obtaining portability of Medicaid and CHIP coverage for migrant
children. Based on preliminary research, it is believed that a migrant care
network model can be developed to improve health coverage access and
continuity of care, and to promote outreach and education for migrant
children. House Bill 1537 requires the Health and Human Services Commission
to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of contracting with existing
networks of health care providers located in Texas and in other states to
establish a migrant care network. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Health and Human Services
Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 531.055, Government Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1537 amends the Government Code to require the Health and Human
Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of
contracting with one or more existing networks of health care providers
located in this state and in other states to establish a migrant care
network to provide health care services to children of migrant or seasonal
agricultural workers who are residents of this state and intend to return
to this state at the conclusion of temporary or seasonal employment in
another state and who are Medicaid recipients or enrollees in CHIP or the
health benefits plan. In conducting the study, the bill requires HHSC to
consider migrant work patterns, to examine the necessity and fiscal effect
of entering into interstate agreements, and to determine whether ensuring
the provision of health care services during the time in which a child is
outside of Texas is necessary to maintain continuity of care for children.
The bill requires HHSC to develop and implement a pilot program if HHSC
determines that the establishment of a migrant care network is feasible
based on the results of the study. The bill requires HHSC to report its
findings and recommendations to the governor, lieutenant governor, and
appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate
regarding the establishment of a migrant care network. The bill expires
September 1, 2003. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.