BILL ANALYSIS



S.C.R. 58
By: Moncrief/Zaffirini (Maxey, et al.)
05-03-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

In its report to the 74th Legislature, the Senate Health and Human
Services Committee found that many Medicaid clients prefer home and
community-based services rather than institutional care, and that
these alternatives to institutional care are often less costly to
the State of Texas and provide more flexible service alternatives.
Additionally, some individuals receiving services through the
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF-MR) program in six-bed, Level I
facilities function at high levels and could be served with home-
and community-based services if the necessary supports were made
available.

PURPOSE

S.C.R. 58 would direct the State Medicaid Office to work with
consumers, family members and providers to structure a range of
service and delivery options under the authority of the Home and
Community Services waiver program to provide more flexibility for
persons eligible to receive services in the six-bed, Level I ICF-MR
program. The resolution also requests that the Texas Department of
Health (TDH) conduct a feasibility study to identify and remove
barriers to the use of cost-effective home-care services.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION 

S.C.R. 58 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.