BILL ANALYSIS S.C.R. 60 By: Nelson/Zaffirini (Janek, et al.) 05-03-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND In its report to the 74th Legislature, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee concluded that the effectiveness of the Texas Medicaid Program could be greatly improved by expanding health care coverage generally, and is persuaded that certain innovations merit further study and attention in the context of Medicaid reform. Along with a health insurance risk pool, which was authorized but not funded by the 71st Legislature, the concept of a medical savings account is another device that holds promise of expanding private health care coverage and thereby easing the public burden of Medicaid. PURPOSE S.C.R. 60 would direct the State Medicaid Office to study the feasibility of using Medicaid funds for the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool and develop a plan for a pilot project that uses Medicaid funds to establish medical savings accounts for recipients of acute care services under the State Medicaid Program. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION S.C.R. 60 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.