BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 605
By: Madla, et al. (Berlanga, et al.)
04-27-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Texas Medicaid program has grown from a total budget of $7.5
billion in the 1990-91 biennium to an appropriation of $18.7
billion for the current 1994-95 biennium, including $6.8 billion in
general revenue and $11.7 billion in federal funds.  This growth is
due to federal mandates regarding eligibility expansions, required
services, and provider reimbursement rules.

Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock charged the Senate Committee on Health and
Human Services with the challenging task of developing
recommendations for wholesale reform.  In response the committee
began an intensive investigation that included a public hearing May
31-June 1, 1994, and on-site visits to Medicaid managed care pilot
projects in Texas, to a rural health clinic, and to a
rehabilitation center. On November 29-30, 1994, the House
Committees on Public Health and on Human Services joined the Senate
committee in a second public hearing in which public testimony was
taken. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services then
adopted the recommendations that are the basis of this legislation.

PURPOSE

S.B. 605 as engrossed would require the Texas Department of
Mental Health and Mental Retardation to evaluate and revise its
sliding fee schedules.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 552.017, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Subsection (e), as follows:

     (e) Requires the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental
     Retardation (department) to evaluate and, if necessary, revise
     the fee schedule at least once every five years.
     
     SECTION 2.     Amends Section 593.075, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Subsection (e) to make changes conforming with Section 1
of this bill.

SECTION 3. Requires the department to evaluate and, if
necessary, revise its sliding fee schedules by January 1, 1996.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 605 was considered by the Public Health Committee in a
formal meeting April 27, 1995.
The bill was reported favorably without amendment, and with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote
of 9 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, and 0 Absent.