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.