Floor Packet Page No. 19
      Amend CSSB 1 by adding the following appropriately numbered
rider following the appropriation to the Health and Human Services
Commission:
      ___.  STUDY REGARDING AN INTERACTIVE WEB-BASED APPLICATION
SYSTEM FOR THE STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM.
(a)  The Health and Human Services Commission shall study the
feasibility of creating a generally accessible and interactive
web-based application system for use in determining eligibility for
and enrolling persons eligible for Medicaid in the state Medicaid
program.
      (b)  The Texas Department of Human Services, the Texas
Department of Health, and the Department of Information Resources
shall cooperate with and assist the Health and Human Services
Commission in conducting this study.
      (c)  In conducting the study, the Health and Human Services
Commission shall:
            (1)  consider similar web-based initiatives being
implemented in other states;
            (2)  address the potential effect on enrollment in the
state Medicaid program;
            (3)  consider the potential effect on the processing of
applications, including time-savings; and
            (4)  consult with potential users of the system to
obtain input regarding any concerns those persons may have
regarding the use of an on-line application process.
      SECTION 2.  Not later than December 1, 2002, the Health and
Human Services Commission shall report its conclusions and
recommendations regarding the study conducted under Section 1 of
this Act to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of
the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the
standing committees of the senate and of the house of
representatives having primary jurisdiction over the commission.