SRC-JFA H.B. 460 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 460
By: Maxey (Moncrief)
Health & Human Services
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In 1994, the Long-Term Care Task Force Report recommended a review and
consideration of waivers.  During the 1996 House Human Service Committee's
interim hearings on long-term care, advocacy groups urged the committee to
re-examine consolidation.  In December 1996, Health Care Financing
Administration staff members met with consumers and stated that there was
no prohibition on waiver consolidations.  Many states are seriously
considering such an option in order to minimize administration
duplication, maximize the services provided, and to provide flexibility
for each state in determining the appropriate services for each individual
based upon that individual's needs.  This bill would require the Health
and Human Services Commission to report to the legislature, by January 15,
1999, on the "feasibility and advisability" of replacing all or several
longterm care Medicaid waivers with a single waiver.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 460 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to
report to the legislature, by January 15, 1999, on the "feasibility and
advisability" of replacing all or several longterm care Medicaid waivers
with a single waiver.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION  1. Requires the Commissioner of Health and Human Services
(commissioner) to report to the legislature on the feasibility and
advisability of replacing all or several of the waivers or authorizations
that this state has obtained with respect to administration of federally
funded Medicaid programs supporting long-term services at the Texas
Department of Human Services (DHS), the Texas Department of Mental Health
and Mental Retardation (MHMR), the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC),
and the Texas Department of Health (TDH) with a single waiver or
authorization to minimize administrative duplication, maximize the
services provided, and provide flexibility to the state in determining the
appropriate combination of services to be provided to each individual
based on that individual's needs.  Requires the commissioner to consider
the waivers or authorizations obtained with respect to the community-based
alternatives program administered by DHS; the community living assistance
support and services program administered by DHS; the home and community
services program and the home and community services program under the
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, P.L. 100-203, Nursing Home Reform
Amendments of 1987, administered by MHMR; the deaf and blind services
program administered by TRC; and the medically dependent children program
administered by TDH.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.