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.