BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 12
	By: Rose et al. (Kolkhorst)
	Health & Human Services
	5/13/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and the Department of State Health Services jointly submitted a report in 2022 that found that 44 percent of maternal death cases occur within one year of pregnancy. It was found that 90 percent of the deaths could have been prevented.

Congress enacted legislation in 2021 giving states the option to provide 12 months of coverage through a state Medicaid plan amendment. To address maternal mortality and morbidity rates, H.B. 12 seeks to expand legislation set forth in the 87th Legislative Session by providing 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage for women in Texas.

H.B. 12 amends current law relating to the duration of services provided under Medicaid to women following a pregnancy.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.024(l-1), Human Resources Code, to require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to continue to provide medical assistance to a woman who is eligible for medical assistance for pregnant women for a period of not less than 12 months that begins on the last day of the woman's pregnancy and ends on the last day of the month in which the 12-month period ends in accordance with Section 1902(e)(16), Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(e)(16)).

SECTION 2. Requires the executive commissioner of HHSC, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to, in accordance with Section 1902(e)(16), Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(e)(16)), seek from the appropriate federal agency an amendment to the state's Medicaid state plan to implement Section 32.024(l-1)(2) (relating to requiring HHSC to continue to provide medical assistance to a woman who is eligible for medical assistance for pregnant women for a period of not less than six months following the date the woman delivers or experiences an involuntary miscarriage), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act. Authorizes HHSC to delay implementing this Act until the state plan amendment is approved.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.