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.