BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1633
By: Geren, King, Susan (Deuell)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
TRICARE health network is a common health care provider for military personnel and their families. In certain areas in the state TRICARE is lacking physician participation. This problem can be especially difficult on military families when there is a need for a medical specialist. Military personnel and families can opt to apply for Medicaid since many meet the income eligibility requirements for Medicaid. A 45-day waiting period is typical when applying for Medicaid and if the application is approved the benefits are granted retroactively. However, during the 45-day waiting period, an applicant is required to pay medical costs out of pocket.
H.B. 1633 attempts to alleviate the financial burden on military families waiting to be approved for Medicaid. The bill expedites the approval process and allows military personnel to receive benefits immediately if they present military identification and proof of enrollment in Medicaid in another state.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is modified in SECTION 1 (Section 32.026, Human Resources Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.026, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (d-1), as follows:
(d-1) Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, in adopting rules under this section (Certification of Eligibility and Need for Medical Assistance), to the extent allowed by federal law, to develop and implement an expedited process for determining eligibility for and enrollment in the medical assistance program for an active duty member of the United States armed forces, reserves, or National Guard or of the state military services, or the spouse or dependent of that person. Requires the process developed under this subsection to allow a person who presents the person's military identification and proof that the person was enrolled in the Medicaid program in another state to receive treatment through the medical assistance program immediately.
SECTION 2. Authorizes a state agency to delay implementing a provision of this Act until a requested federal waiver or authorization necessary to implement that provision is obtained.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.