BILL ANALYSIS


Public Health Committee
S.C.R. 57
By: Truan/Zaffirini (Coleman)
05-04-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

In its report to the 74th Texas Legislature, the Senate Health and
Human Services Committee concluded that in the potential provision
of a Medicaid managed care program, a special provision must also
be made for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are
not-for-profit or public entities that are important providers for
Medicaid clients and the uninsured who may not be able to arrange
care elsewhere, who desire culturally appropriate or bilingual
services, or who want the convenience of receiving care in a
neighborhood clinic. The FQHCs have no reserves and no private
patients, and are concerned that their facilities would be excluded
from provider networks under Medicaid managed care systems.

PURPOSE

S.C.R. 57 would direct the State Medicaid Office, in applying for
a federal waiver, not to request a waiver of the following federal
requirements: that services provided by FQHCs are mandatory and
that FQHCs receive cost-based reimbursements for the first three
years of the waiver.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.C.R. 57 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.