HBA-MPM H.B. 2355 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2355
By: Tillery
Public Health
3/21/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides for presumed eligibility for Medicaid coverage of a
newborn.  However, there is not a similar mechanism under the Children's
Health Program (CHIP).  Families whose income level exceeds the limit for
Medicaid but not for CHIP do not have coverage for delivery and care for a
newborn infant. House Bill 2355 entitles a child who is eligible for CHIP
to health care services from the time of birth if the child is enrolled in
CHIP within 30 days after birth. 

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 2355 amends the Health and Safety Code to entitle a child who is
eligible for health benefits coverage under the state child health plan
(CHIP) to benefits for health care services provided to the child from the
time of the child's birth if the child applies to enroll in CHIP no later
than the 30th day after the child is born. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.