HBA-DMH, MPM H.B. 896 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 896
By: Coleman
Public Health
2/23/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Recent advancements in HIV and AIDS treatment have brought renewed health
to many people living with HIV and AIDS.  New medications have been
developed that, when taken together, can slow the spread of HIV.  However,
combination drug therapy is expensive.  When limited income individuals
with HIV or AIDS do not receive appropriate treatment, they debilitate
physically to the point where they qualify for disability related Medicaid,
one of the most expensive categories of Medicaid coverage.  Investing up
front in appropriate maintenance care for this population would reduce such
costs.  In 1997, the legislature directed the Health and Human Services
Commission (HHSC) to maximize federal funding under Medicaid for treatment
of HIV and AIDS.  House Bill 896 requires HHSC to develop a demonstration
project to offer pharmaceutical treatment under Medicaid to HIV and AIDS
patients, and requires HHSC to report on the cost effectiveness of the
project. 

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 896 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Health and
Human Services Commission (HHSC) to establish in at least two counties with
a high prevalence of HIV infection or AIDS a demonstration project
(project) to provide persons with HIV infection or AIDS with medical
services, drug treatments and medications, vaccinations, and diagnostic
testing and services through the medical assistance program.  The bill
establishes eligibility requirements for project participants, and provides
that the participants are not subject to the monthly three-prescription
limit under the medical assistance program. 

The bill requires HHSC to submit a biennial report to the legislature no
later than December 1 of each even numbered year, and to evaluate the
project's cost-effectiveness no later than December 1, 2006.  If the
evaluation results indicate that the project is cost-effective, HHSC is
required to incorporate a request for funding for the expansion of the
project in its request for the next state fiscal biennium.  The project
expires September 1, 2007. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.