BILL ANALYSIS



S.C.R. 55
By: Zaffirini/Moncrief (Berlanga)
05-03-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

In its report to the 74th Legislature, the Senate Health and Human
Services Committee concluded that cost containment and significant
reform and improvement of the Medicaid program could be achieved if
the state obtains waivers of current federal requirements in the
areas of cost sharing and eligibility and obtains waivers to
conduct pilot studies of long-term care, mental health and
substance abuse, and consumer-oriented support for persons with
mental retardation.

PURPOSE

S.C.R. 55 directs the State Medicaid Office, in applying for a
federal Section 1115 waiver, to include provisions to require
copayments for certain services, establish a guaranteed eligibility
period of 12 months, pilot an integrated managed care model for
long-term care, pilot an integrated managed care model for mental
health and substance abuse services, and pilot a consumer-focused
approach for persons with mental retardation and other
developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.C.R. 55 was considered by the Public Health Committee in a formal
meeting on May 3, 1995. The resolution was reported favorably
without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed, by a record vote of 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 PNV, and 2 ABSENT.