BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 133

By: Rose

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised over data provided in the 2020 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and Department of State Health Services Joint Biennial Report indicating that nearly 40 percent of maternal death cases in Texas reviewed in 2013 were pregnancy-related and that a majority of those deaths could have been prevented. Over the last several years, policy makers, researchers, and the public have focused a considerable amount of attention on the number of Texas women dying due to health issues arising during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. One factor that may be contributing to these deaths is a lack of comprehensive health coverage for many postpartum women. H.B. 133 seeks to address this issue by providing for the continuation of Medicaid coverage to a woman who is eligible for Medicaid for Pregnant Women for a period of not less than 12 months following the date the woman delivers or experiences an involuntary miscarriage.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 133 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Health and Human Services Commission to continue to provide Medicaid coverage to a woman who is eligible for Medicaid for Pregnant Women for a period of not less than 12 months following the date the woman delivers or experiences an involuntary miscarriage.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.