HBA-DMH H.B. 2149 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2149
By: Kitchen
Public Health
3/28/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is no process in place for Medicaid applicants to apply
for the program using the Internet. Using a web-based application process
may increase efficiency in processing applications and increase
accessibility to services for applicants.  California has already
implemented a pilot program to enroll eligible applicants in the state
children's health insurance program.  House Bill 2149 requires the Health
and Human Services Commission to conduct a feasibility study relating to a
web-based application system for Medicaid applicants. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2149 requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to
study the feasibility of creating a generally accessible and interactive
web-based application system to determine eligibility for and enroll
persons in the Medicaid program. The bill requires the Texas Department of
Human Services, the Texas Department of Health, and the Department of
Information Resources to cooperate with and assist HHSC in conducting the
study. In conducting the study, the bill requires HHSC to: 

_consider similar web-based initiatives being implemented in other states; 

_address the potential effect on enrollment in the Medicaid program; 

_consider the potential effect on the processing of applications, including
time-savings; and 
 
_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. 

The bill requires HHSC, not later than December 1, 2002, to report its
conclusions and recommendations regarding the study 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 HHSC.  These
provisions expire September 1, 2003. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.