SRC-CTC S.B. 51 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 51
By: Zaffirini
Health & Human Services
6/7/2001
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, youths aged 18 to 21 often lose their Medicaid coverage when
they age out of foster care and have a difficult time obtaining medication
and medical services.  The federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999
gives states new flexibility, funding, and program opportunities to provide
assistance to this age group who are making the transition from foster care
to independent living.  S.B. 51 directs the Health and Human Services
Commission, or an agency operating part of the medical assistance program,
to extend Medicaid to certain youths aged 18 to 21. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 32B, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
32.0247, as follows: 

Sec. 32.0247.  MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN PERSONS MAKING TRANSITION
FROM FOSTER CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. (a) Defines "independent foster
care adolescent."   

(b) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (department), or any
agency operating part of the medical assistance program, as appropriate, to
provide medical assistance to certain independent foster care adolescents. 

(c) Requires the department by rule to establish a specific set of income,
assets, or resources allowable for recipients under this section.  Sets
forth guidelines for allowable income, asset, and resource levels. 

(d) Requires the department to exclude certain items in setting allowable
income, asset, or resource levels. 

(e) Requires the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to
certify the income, assets, or resources of each individual on the date the
individual exits substitute care.  Requires an individual qualifying for
medical assistance as established by this section to remain eligible for 12
calendar months after certification and after each recertification. 

(f) Requires the recertification process for individuals who are eligible
for medical assistance under this section to include the option of
recertifying by mail or phone. 

SECTION 2. Requires the department, as soon as possible after the effective
date of this Act, to submit an amendment to the state's Medicaid plan to
comply with the addition of Section 32.0247, Human Resources Code. 

 SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.