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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to medical assistance for children with Down syndrome. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 32.02491 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 32.02491. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWN |
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SYNDROME. (a) Notwithstanding Sections 32.024(b), (d), and (e), |
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and regardless of the availability of federal matching funds, the |
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department shall provide medical assistance to a person younger |
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than 18 years of age who is: |
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(1) diagnosed with Down syndrome; and |
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(2) not otherwise eligible for medical assistance due |
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to income or resource eligibility criteria. |
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(b) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human |
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Services Commission shall adopt rules regarding the provision of |
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services under this section. The rules must require the department |
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to provide services only to the extent that the services are not |
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available through another health insurance or health benefit plan |
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under which the person is entitled to benefits. |
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(c) The department shall apply for and actively pursue a |
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waiver or other authorization from an appropriate federal agency to |
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receive matching funds to provide medical assistance under this |
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section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007. |