S.B. No. 10

AN ACT

relating to the operation and financing of the medical assistance program and other programs to provide health care benefits and services to persons in this state; providing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.02192 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.02192. FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER AND RURAL HEALTH CLINIC SERVICES. (a) In this section:

(1) "Federally qualified health center" has the meaning assigned by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(l)(2)(B).

(2) "Federally qualified health center services" has the meaning assigned by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(l)(2)(A).

(3) "Rural health clinic" and "rural health clinic services" have the meanings assigned by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(l)(1).

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, or any other law, the commission shall:

(1) promote Medicaid recipient access to federally qualified health center services or rural health clinic services; and

(2) ensure that payment for federally qualified health center services or rural health clinic services is in accordance with 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(bb). SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.02413 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.02413. BILLING COORDINATION SYSTEM. (a) If cost-effective and feasible, the commission shall, on or before March 1, 2008, contract through an existing procurement process for the implementation of an acute care Medicaid billing coordination system for the fee-for-service and primary care case management delivery models that will, upon entry in the claims system, identify within 24 hours whether another entity has primary responsibility for paying the claim and submit the claim to the entity the system determines is the primary payor. The system may not increase Medicaid claims payment error rates.

(b) If cost-effective, the executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the purpose of enabling the system to identify an entity with primary responsibility for paying a claim and establish reporting requirements for any entity that may have a contractual responsibility to pay for the types of acute care services provided under the Medicaid program.

(c) An entity that holds a permit, license, or certificate of authority issued by a regulatory agency of the state must allow the contractor under Subsection (a) access to databases to allow the contractor to carry out the purposes of this section, subject to the contractor's contract with the commission and rules adopted under this section, and is subject to an administrative penalty or other sanction as provided by the law applicable to the permit, license, or certificate of authority for a violation by the entity of a rule adopted under this section.

(d) After September 1, 2008, no public funds shall be expended on entities not in compliance with this section unless a memorandum of understanding is entered into between the entity and the executive commissioner.

(e) Information obtained under this section is confidential. The contractor may use the information only for the purposes authorized under this section. A person commits an offense if the person knowingly uses information obtained under this section for any purpose not authorized under this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor and all other penalties may apply.

SECTION 3. (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.02414 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.02414. ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "medical transportation program" means the program that provides nonemergency transportation services to and from covered health care services, based on medical necessity, to recipients under the Medicaid program, the children with special health care needs program, and the transportation for indigent cancer patients program, who have no other means of transportation.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission shall directly supervise the administration and operation of the medical transportation program.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission may not delegate the commission's duty to supervise the medical transportation program to any other person, including through a contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the department to assume any of the commission's responsibilities relating to the provision of services through that program.

(d) The commission may contract with a public transportation provider, as defined by Section 461.002, Transportation Code, a private transportation provider, or a regional transportation broker for the provision of public transportation services, as defined by Section 461.002, Transportation Code, under the medical transportation program.

(b) Subchapter A, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.0057 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.0057. MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. (a) The commission shall provide medical transportation services for clients of eligible health and human services programs.

(b) The commission may contract with any public or private transportation provider or with any regional transportation broker for the provision of public transportation services.

SECTION 4. (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 531.094, 531.0941, 531.097, and 531.0971 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.094. PILOT PROGRAM AND OTHER PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES. (a) The commission shall develop and implement a pilot program in one region of this state under which Medicaid recipients are provided positive incentives to lead healthy lifestyles, including through participating in certain health-related programs or engaging in certain health-conscious behaviors, thereby resulting in better health outcomes for those recipients.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), in implementing the pilot program, the commission may provide:

(1) expanded health care benefits or value-added services for Medicaid recipients who participate in certain programs, such as specified weight loss or smoking cessation programs;

(2) individual health rewards accounts that allow Medicaid recipients who follow certain disease management protocols to receive credits in the accounts that may be exchanged for health-related items specified by the commission that are not covered by Medicaid; and

(3) any other positive incentive the commission determines would promote healthy lifestyles and improve health outcomes for Medicaid recipients.

(c) The commission shall consider similar incentive programs implemented in other states to determine the most cost-effective measures to implement in the pilot program under this section.

(d) Not later than December 1, 2010, the commission shall submit a report to the legislature that:

(1) describes the operation of the pilot program;

(2) analyzes the effect of the incentives provided under the pilot program on the health of program participants; and

(3) makes recommendations regarding the continuation or expansion of the pilot program.

(e) In addition to developing and implementing the pilot program under this section, the commission may, if feasible and cost-effective, develop and implement an additional incentive program to encourage Medicaid recipients who are younger than 21 years of age to make timely health care visits under the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program. The commission shall provide incentives under the program for managed care organizations contracting with the commission under Chapter 533 and Medicaid providers to encourage those organizations and providers to support the delivery and documentation of timely and complete health care screenings under the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program.

(f) This section expires September 1, 2011.

Sec. 531.0941. MEDICAID HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM. (a) If the commission determines that it is cost-effective and feasible, the commission shall develop and implement a Medicaid health savings account pilot program that is consistent with federal law to:

(1) encourage health care cost awareness and sensitivity by adult recipients; and

(2) promote appropriate utilization of Medicaid services by adult recipients.

(b) If the commission implements the pilot program, the commission may only include adult recipients as participants in the program.

(c) If the commission implements the pilot program, the commission shall ensure that:

(1) participation in the pilot program is voluntary; and

(2) a recipient who participates in the pilot program may, at the recipient's option and subject to Subsection (d), discontinue participation in the program and resume receiving benefits and services under the traditional Medicaid delivery model.

(d) A recipient who chooses to discontinue participation in the pilot program and resume receiving benefits and services under the traditional Medicaid delivery model before completion of the health savings account enrollment period forfeits any funds remaining in the recipient's health savings account.

Sec. 531.097. TAILORED BENEFIT PACKAGES FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF THE MEDICAID POPULATION. (a) The executive commissioner may seek a waiver under Section 1115 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1315) to develop and, subject to Subsection (c), implement tailored benefit packages designed to:

(1) provide Medicaid benefits that are customized to meet the health care needs of recipients within defined categories of the Medicaid population through a defined system of care;

(2) improve health outcomes for those recipients;

(3) improve those recipients' access to services;

(4) achieve cost containment and efficiency; and

(5) reduce the administrative complexity of delivering Medicaid benefits.

(b) The commission:

(1) shall develop a tailored benefit package that is customized to meet the health care needs of Medicaid recipients who are children with special health care needs, subject to approval of the waiver described by Subsection (a); and

(2) may develop tailored benefit packages that are customized to meet the health care needs of other categories of Medicaid recipients.

(c) If the commission develops tailored benefit packages under Subsection (b)(2), the commission shall submit a report to the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over the Medicaid program that specifies, in detail, the categories of Medicaid recipients to which each of those packages will apply and the services available under each package. The commission may not implement a package developed under Subsection (b)(2) before September 1, 2009.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by this section and subject to the terms of the waiver authorized by this section, the commission has broad discretion to develop the tailored benefit packages under this section and determine the respective categories of Medicaid recipients to which the packages apply in a manner that preserves recipients' access to necessary services and is consistent with federal requirements.

(e) Each tailored benefit package developed under this section must include:

(1) a basic set of benefits that are provided under all tailored benefit packages; and

(2) to the extent applicable to the category of Medicaid recipients to which the package applies:

(A) a set of benefits customized to meet the health care needs of recipients in that category; and

(B) services to integrate the management of a recipient's acute and long-term care needs, to the extent feasible.

(f) In addition to the benefits required by Subsection (e), a tailored benefit package developed under this section that applies to Medicaid recipients who are children must provide at least the services required by federal law under the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program.

(g) A tailored benefit package developed under this section may include any service available under the state Medicaid plan or under any federal Medicaid waiver, including any preventive health or wellness service.

(g-1) A tailored benefit package developed under this section must increase the state's flexibility with respect to the state's use of Medicaid funding and may not reduce the benefits available under the Medicaid state plan to any Medicaid recipient population.

(h) In developing the tailored benefit packages, the commission shall consider similar benefit packages established in other states as a guide.

(i) The executive commissioner, by rule, shall define each category of recipients to which a tailored benefit package applies and a mechanism for appropriately placing recipients in specific categories. Recipient categories must include children with special health care needs and may include:

(1) persons with disabilities or special health needs;

(2) elderly persons;

(3) children without special health care needs; and

(4) working-age parents and caretaker relatives.

(j) This section does not apply to a tailored benefit package or similar package of benefits if, before September 1, 2007:

(1) a federal waiver was requested to implement the package of benefits;

(2) the package of benefits is being developed, as directed by the legislature; or

(3) the package of benefits has been implemented.

Sec. 531.0971. TAILORED BENEFIT PACKAGES FOR NON-MEDICAID POPULATIONS. (a) The commission shall identify state or federal non-Medicaid programs that provide health care services to persons whose health care needs could be met by providing customized benefits through a system of care that is used under a Medicaid tailored benefit package implemented under Section 531.097.

(b) If the commission determines that it is feasible and to the extent permitted by federal and state law, the commission shall:

(1) provide the health care services for persons identified under Subsection (a) through the applicable Medicaid tailored benefit package; and

(2) if appropriate or necessary to provide the services as required by Subdivision (1), develop and implement a system of blended funding methodologies to provide the services in that manner.

(b) Not later than September 1, 2008, the Health and Human Services Commission shall implement the pilot program under Section 531.094, Government Code, as added by this section.

SECTION 5. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.0972 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.0972. PILOT PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CERTAIN INFECTIOUS OR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. The commission may provide guidance to the local health authority of Bexar County in establishing a pilot program funded by the county to prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other infectious and communicable diseases. The program may include a disease control program that provides for the anonymous exchange of used hypodermic needles and syringes.

SECTION 6. (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.1112 to read as follows:

Sec. 531.1112. STUDY CONCERNING INCREASED USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO STRENGTHEN FRAUD DETECTION AND DETERRENCE; IMPLEMENTATION. (a) The commission and the commission's office of inspector general shall jointly study the feasibility of increasing the use of technology to strengthen the detection and deterrence of fraud in the state Medicaid program. The study must include the determination of the feasibility of using technology to verify a person's citizenship and eligibility for coverage.

(b) The commission shall implement any methods the commission and the commission's office of inspector general determine are effective at strengthening fraud detection and deterrence.

(b) Not later than December 1, 2008, the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit to the legislature a report detailing the findings of the study required by Section 531.1112, Government Code, as added by this section. The report must include a description of any method described by Subsection (b), Section 531.1112, Government Code, as added by this section, that the commission has implemented or intends to implement.

SECTION 7. (a) Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter N to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER N. TEXAS HEALTH OPPORTUNITY POOL TRUST FUND

Sec. 531.501. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "fund" means the Texas health opportunity pool trust fund established under Section 531.503.

Sec. 531.502. DIRECTION TO OBTAIN FEDERAL WAIVER. (a) The executive commissioner may seek a waiver under Section 1115 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1315) to the state Medicaid plan to allow the commission to more efficiently and effectively use federal money paid to this state under various programs to defray costs associated with providing uncompensated health care in this state by using that federal money, appropriated state money to the extent necessary, and any other money described by this section for purposes consistent with this subchapter.

(b) The executive commissioner may include the following federal money in the waiver:

(1) all money provided under the disproportionate share hospitals and upper payment limit supplemental payment programs;

(2) money provided by the federal government in lieu of some or all of the payments under those programs;

(3) any combination of funds authorized to be pooled by Subdivisions (1) and (2); and

(4) any other money available for that purpose, including federal money and money identified under Subsection (c).

(c) The commission shall seek to optimize federal funding by:

(1) identifying health care related state and local funds and program expenditures that, before September 1, 2007, are not being matched with federal money; and

(2) exploring the feasibility of:

(A) certifying or otherwise using those funds and expenditures as state expenditures for which this state may receive federal matching money; and

(B) depositing federal matching money received as provided by Paragraph (A) with other federal money deposited as provided by Section 531.504, or substituting that federal matching money for federal money that otherwise would be received under the disproportionate share hospitals and upper payment limit supplemental payment programs as a match for local funds received by this state through intergovernmental transfers.

(d) The terms of a waiver approved under this section must:

(1) include safeguards to ensure that the total amount of federal money provided under the disproportionate share hospitals and upper payment limit supplemental payment programs that is deposited as provided by Section 531.504 is, for a particular state fiscal year, at least equal to the greater of the annualized amount provided to this state under those supplemental payment programs during state fiscal year 2007, excluding amounts provided during that state fiscal year that are retroactive payments, or the state fiscal years during which the waiver is in effect; and

(2) allow for the development by this state of a methodology for allocating money in the fund to:

(A) offset, in part, the uncompensated health care costs incurred by hospitals;

(B) reduce the number of persons in this state who do not have health benefits coverage; and

(C) maintain and enhance the community public health infrastructure provided by hospitals.

(e) In a waiver under this section, the executive commissioner shall seek to:

(1) obtain maximum flexibility with respect to using the money in the fund for purposes consistent with this subchapter;

(2) include an annual adjustment to the aggregate caps under the upper payment limit supplemental payment program to account for inflation, population growth, and other appropriate demographic factors that affect the ability of residents of this state to obtain health benefits coverage;

(3) ensure, for the term of the waiver, that the aggregate caps under the upper payment limit supplemental payment program for each of the three classes of hospitals are not less than the aggregate caps that applied during state fiscal year 2007; and

(4) to the extent allowed by federal law, including federal regulations, and federal waiver authority, preserve the federal supplemental payment program payments made to hospitals, the state match with respect to which is funded by intergovernmental transfers or certified public expenditures that are used to optimize Medicaid payments to safety net providers for uncompensated care, and preserve allocation methods for those payments, unless the need for the payments is revised through measures that reduce the Medicaid shortfall or uncompensated care costs.

(f) The executive commissioner shall seek broad-based stakeholder input in the development of the waiver under this section and shall provide information to stakeholders regarding the terms and components of the waiver for which the executive commissioner seeks federal approval.

(g) The executive commissioner shall seek the advice of the Legislative Budget Board before finalizing the terms and conditions of the negotiated waiver.

Sec. 531.503. ESTABLISHMENT OF TEXAS HEALTH OPPORTUNITY POOL TRUST FUND. Subject to approval of the waiver authorized by Section 531.502, the Texas health opportunity pool trust fund is created as a trust fund outside the state treasury to be held by the comptroller and administered by the commission as trustee on behalf of residents of this state who do not have private health benefits coverage and health care providers providing uncompensated care to those persons. The commission may make expenditures of money in the fund only for purposes consistent with this subchapter and the terms of the waiver authorized by Section 531.502.

Sec. 531.504. DEPOSITS TO FUND. (a) The comptroller shall deposit in the fund:

(1) all federal money provided to this state under the disproportionate share hospitals supplemental payment program and the hospital upper payment limit supplemental payment program, other than money provided under those programs to state-owned and operated hospitals, and all other non-supplemental payment program federal money provided to this state that is included in the waiver authorized by Section 531.502; and

(2) state money appropriated to the fund.

(b) The commission and comptroller may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source for purposes consistent with this subchapter and the terms of the waiver. The comptroller shall deposit a gift, grant, or donation made for those purposes in the fund.

Sec. 531.505. USE OF FUND IN GENERAL; RULES FOR ALLOCATION. (a) Except as otherwise provided by the terms of a waiver authorized by Section 531.502, money in the fund may be used:

(1) subject to Section 531.506, to provide reimbursements to health care providers that:

(A) are based on the providers' costs related to providing uncompensated care; and

(B) compensate the providers for at least a portion of those costs;

(2) to reduce the number of persons in this state who do not have health benefits coverage;

(3) to reduce the need for uncompensated health care provided by hospitals in this state; and

(4) for any other purpose specified by this subchapter or the waiver.

(b) On approval of the waiver, the executive commissioner shall:

(1) seek input from a broad base of stakeholder representatives on the development of rules with respect to, and the administration of, the fund; and

(2) by rule develop a methodology for allocating money in the fund that is consistent with the terms of the waiver.

Sec. 531.506. REIMBURSEMENTS FOR UNCOMPENSATED HEALTH CARE COSTS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by the terms of a waiver authorized by Section 531.502 and subject to Subsections (b) and (c), money in the fund may be allocated to hospitals in this state and political subdivisions of this state to defray the costs of providing uncompensated health care in this state.

(b) To be eligible for money from the fund under this section, a hospital or political subdivision must use a portion of the money to implement strategies that will reduce the need for uncompensated inpatient and outpatient care, including care provided in a hospital emergency room. Strategies that may be implemented by a hospital or political subdivision, as applicable, include:

(1) fostering improved access for patients to primary care systems or other programs that offer those patients medical homes, including the following programs:

(A) regional or local health care programs;

(B) programs to provide premium subsidies for health benefits coverage; and

(C) other programs to increase access to health benefits coverage; and

(2) creating health care systems efficiencies, such as using electronic medical records systems.

(c) The allocation methodology adopted by the executive commissioner under Section 531.505(b) must specify the percentage of the money from the fund allocated to a hospital or political subdivision that the hospital or political subdivision must use for strategies described by Subsection (b).

Sec. 531.507. INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE. (a) Except as otherwise provided by the terms of a waiver authorized by Section 531.502, money in the fund that is available to reduce the number of persons in this state who do not have health benefits coverage or to reduce the need for uncompensated health care provided by hospitals in this state may be used for purposes relating to increasing access to health benefits coverage for low-income persons, including:

(1) providing premium payment assistance to those persons through a premium payment assistance program developed under this section;

(2) making contributions to health savings accounts for those persons; and

(3) providing other financial assistance to those persons through alternate mechanisms established by hospitals in this state or political subdivisions of this state that meet certain criteria, as specified by the commission.

(b) The commission and the Texas Department of Insurance shall jointly develop a premium payment assistance program designed to assist persons described by Subsection (a) in obtaining and maintaining health benefits coverage. The program may provide assistance in the form of payments for all or part of the premiums for that coverage. In developing the program, the executive commissioner shall adopt rules establishing:

(1) eligibility criteria for the program;

(2) the amount of premium payment assistance that will be provided under the program;

(3) the process by which that assistance will be paid; and

(4) the mechanism for measuring and reporting the number of persons who obtained health insurance or other health benefits coverage as a result of the program.

(c) The commission shall implement the premium payment assistance program developed under Subsection (b), subject to availability of money in the fund for that purpose.

Sec. 531.508. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by the terms of a waiver authorized by Section 531.502 and subject to Subsection (c), money in the fund may be used for purposes related to developing and implementing initiatives to improve the infrastructure of local provider networks that provide services to Medicaid recipients and low-income uninsured persons in this state.

(b) Infrastructure improvements under this section may include developing and implementing a system for maintaining medical records in an electronic format.

(c) Not more than 10 percent of the total amount of the money in the fund used in a state fiscal year for purposes other than providing reimbursements to hospitals for uncompensated health care may be used for infrastructure improvements described by Subsection (b).

(b) If the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission obtains federal approval for a waiver under Section 531.502, Government Code, as added by this section, the executive commissioner shall submit a report to the Legislative Budget Board that outlines the components and terms of that waiver as soon as possible after federal approval is granted.

SECTION 8. (a) Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter O to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER O. UNCOMPENSATED HOSPITAL CARE

Sec. 531.551. UNCOMPENSATED HOSPITAL CARE REPORTING AND ANALYSIS. (a) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules providing for:

(1) a standard definition of "uncompensated hospital care";

(2) a methodology to be used by hospitals in this state to compute the cost of that care that incorporates the standard set of adjustments described by Section 531.552(g)(4); and

(3) procedures to be used by those hospitals to report the cost of that care to the commission and to analyze that cost.

(b) The rules adopted by the executive commissioner under Subsection (a)(3) may provide for procedures by which the commission may periodically verify the completeness and accuracy of the information reported by hospitals.

(c) The commission shall notify the attorney general of a hospital's failure to report the cost of uncompensated care on or before the date the report was due in accordance with rules adopted under Subsection (a)(3). On receipt of the notice, the attorney general shall impose an administrative penalty on the hospital in the amount of $1,000 for each day after the date the report was due that the hospital has not submitted the report, not to exceed $10,000.

(d) If the commission determines through the procedures adopted under Subsection (b) that a hospital submitted a report with incomplete or inaccurate information, the commission shall notify the hospital of the specific information the hospital must submit and prescribe a date by which the hospital must provide that information. If the hospital fails to submit the specified information on or before the date prescribed by the commission, the commission shall notify the attorney general of that failure. On receipt of the notice, the attorney general shall impose an administrative penalty on the hospital in an amount not to exceed $10,000. In determining the amount of the penalty to be imposed, the attorney general shall consider:

(1) the seriousness of the violation;

(2) whether the hospital had previously committed a violation; and

(3) the amount necessary to deter the hospital from committing future violations.

(e) A report by the commission to the attorney general under Subsection (c) or (d) must state the facts on which the commission based its determination that the hospital failed to submit a report or failed to completely and accurately report information, as applicable.

(f) The attorney general shall give written notice of the commission's report to the hospital alleged to have failed to comply with a requirement. The notice must include a brief summary of the alleged violation, a statement of the amount of the administrative penalty to be imposed, and a statement of the hospital's right to a hearing on the alleged violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.

(g) Not later than the 20th day after the date the notice is sent under Subsection (f), the hospital must make a written request for a hearing or remit the amount of the administrative penalty to the attorney general. Failure to timely request a hearing or remit the amount of the administrative penalty results in a waiver of the right to a hearing under this section. If the hospital timely requests a hearing, the attorney general shall conduct the hearing in accordance with Chapter 2001, Government Code. If the hearing results in a finding that a violation has occurred, the attorney general shall:

(1) provide to the hospital written notice of:

(A) the findings established at the hearing; and

(B) the amount of the penalty; and

(2) enter an order requiring the hospital to pay the amount of the penalty.

(h) Not later than the 30th day after the date the hospital receives the order entered by the attorney general under Subsection (g), the hospital shall:

(1) pay the amount of the administrative penalty;

(2) remit the amount of the penalty to the attorney general for deposit in an escrow account and file a petition for judicial review contesting the occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both; or

(3) without paying the amount of the penalty, file a petition for judicial review contesting the occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both and file with the court a sworn affidavit stating that the hospital is financially unable to pay the amount of the penalty.

(i) The attorney general's order is subject to judicial review as a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.

(j) If the hospital paid the penalty and on review the court does not sustain the occurrence of the violation or finds that the amount of the administrative penalty should be reduced, the attorney general shall remit the appropriate amount to the hospital not later than the 30th day after the date the court's judgment becomes final.

(k) If the court sustains the occurrence of the violation:

(1) the court:

(A) shall order the hospital to pay the amount of the administrative penalty; and

(B) may award to the attorney general the attorney's fees and court costs incurred by the attorney general in defending the action; and

(2) the attorney general shall remit the amount of the penalty to the comptroller for deposit in the general revenue fund.

(l) If the hospital does not pay the amount of the administrative penalty after the attorney general's order becomes final for all purposes, the attorney general may enforce the penalty as provided by law for legal judgments.

Sec. 531.552. WORK GROUP ON UNCOMPENSATED HOSPITAL CARE. (a) In this section, "work group" means the work group on uncompensated hospital care.

(b) The executive commissioner shall establish the work group on uncompensated hospital care to assist the executive commissioner in developing rules required by Section 531.551 by performing the functions described by Subsection (g).

(c) The executive commissioner shall determine the number of members of the work group. The executive commissioner shall ensure that the work group includes representatives from the office of the attorney general and the hospital industry. A member of the work group serves at the will of the executive commissioner.

(d) The executive commissioner shall designate a member of the work group to serve as presiding officer. The members of the work group shall elect any other necessary officers.

(e) The work group shall meet at the call of the executive commissioner.

(f) A member of the work group may not receive compensation for serving on the work group but is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the work group as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

(g) The work group shall study and advise the executive commissioner in:

(1) identifying the number of different reports required to be submitted to the state that address uncompensated hospital care, care for low-income uninsured persons in this state, or both;

(2) standardizing the definitions used to determine uncompensated hospital care for purposes of those reports;

(3) improving the tracking of hospital charges, costs, and adjustments as those charges, costs, and adjustments relate to identifying uncompensated hospital care and maintaining a hospital's tax-exempt status;

(4) developing and applying a standard set of adjustments to a hospital's initial computation of the cost of uncompensated hospital care that account for all funding streams that:

(A) are not patient-specific; and

(B) are used to offset the hospital's initially computed amount of uncompensated care;

(5) developing a standard and comprehensive center for data analysis and reporting with respect to uncompensated hospital care; and

(6) analyzing the effect of the standardization of the definition of uncompensated hospital care and the computation of its cost, as determined in accordance with the rules adopted by the executive commissioner, on the laws of this state, and analyzing potential legislation to incorporate the changes made by the standardization.

(b) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall:

(1) establish the work group on uncompensated hospital care required by Section 531.552, Government Code, as added by this section, not later than October 1, 2007; and

(2) adopt the rules required by Section 531.551, Government Code, as added by this section, not later than January 1, 2009.

(c) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall review the methodology used under the Medicaid disproportionate share hospitals supplemental payment program to compute low-income utilization costs to ensure that the Medicaid disproportionate share methodology is consistent with the standardized adjustments to uncompensated care costs described by Subdivision (4), Subsection (g), Section 531.552, Government Code, as added by this section, and adopted by the executive commissioner.

SECTION 9. Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter P to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER P. PHYSICIAN-CENTERED NURSING FACILITY MODEL

DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

Sec. 531.601. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Nursing facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 242.301, Health and Safety Code.

(2) "Project" means the physician-centered nursing facility model demonstration project implemented under this subchapter.

Sec. 531.602. PHYSICIAN-CENTERED NURSING FACILITY MODEL DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. (a) The commission may develop and implement a demonstration project to determine whether paying an enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rate to a nursing facility that provides continuous, on-site oversight of residents by physicians specializing in geriatric medicine results in:

(1) improved overall health of residents of that facility; and

(2) cost savings resulting from a reduction of acute care hospitalization and pharmaceutical costs.

(b) In developing the project, the commission may consider similar physician-centered nursing facility models implemented in other states to determine the most cost-effective measures to implement in the project under this subchapter.

(c) The commission may consider whether the project could involve the Medicare program, subject to federal law and approval.

Sec. 531.603. REPORT. (a) If the commission develops and implements the project, the commission shall, not later than December 1, 2008, submit a preliminary status report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over the Medicaid program. The report must:

(1) describe the project, including the implementation and performance of the project during the preceding year; and

(2) evaluate the operation of the project.

(b) If the commission develops and implements the project, the commission shall submit a subsequent report to the persons listed in Subsection (a) preceding the regular session of the 82nd Legislature. The report must make recommendations regarding:

(1) the continuation or expansion of the project, to be determined based on the cost-effectiveness of the project; and

(2) if the commission recommends expanding the project, any necessary statutory or budgetary changes.

Sec. 531.604. EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires September 1, 2011.

SECTION 10. Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 533.0051 to read as follows:

Sec. 533.0051. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND INCENTIVES FOR VALUE-BASED CONTRACTS. (a) The commission shall establish outcome-based performance measures and incentives to include in each contract between a health maintenance organization and the commission for the provision of health care services to recipients that is procured and managed under a value-based purchasing model. The performance measures and incentives must be designed to facilitate and increase recipients' access to appropriate health care services.

(b) Subject to Subsection (c), the commission shall include the performance measures and incentives established under Subsection (a) in each contract described by that subsection in addition to all other contract provisions required by this chapter.

(c) The commission may use a graduated approach to including the performance measures and incentives established under Subsection (a) in contracts described by that subsection to ensure incremental and continued improvements over time.

(d) Subject to Subsection (f), the commission shall assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of including provisions in a contract described by Subsection (a) that require the health maintenance organization to provide to the providers in the organization's provider network pay-for-performance opportunities that support quality improvements in the care of Medicaid recipients. Pay-for-performance opportunities may include incentives for providers to provide care after normal business hours and to participate in the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program and other activities that improve Medicaid recipients' access to care. If the commission determines that the provisions are feasible and may be cost-effective, the commission shall develop and implement a pilot program in at least one health care service region under which the commission will include the provisions in contracts with health maintenance organizations offering managed care plans in the region.

(e) The commission shall post the financial statistical report on the commission's web page in a comprehensive and understandable format.

(f) The commission shall, to the extent possible, base an assessment of feasibility and cost-effectiveness under Subsection (d) on publicly available, scientifically valid, evidence-based criteria appropriate for assessing the Medicaid population.

(g) In performing the commission's duties under Subsection (d) with respect to assessing feasibility and cost-effectiveness, the commission may consult with physicians, including those with expertise in quality improvement and performance measurement, and hospitals.

SECTION 11. (a) Subsection (c), Section 533.012, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) The commission's office of investigations and enforcement shall review the information submitted under this section as appropriate in the investigation of fraud in the Medicaid managed care program. [The comptroller may review the information in connection with the health care fraud study conducted by the comptroller.]

(b) Section 403.028, Government Code, is repealed.

SECTION 12. (a) Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 533.019 to read as follows:

Sec. 533.019. VALUE-ADDED SERVICES. The commission shall actively encourage managed care organizations that contract with the commission to offer benefits, including health care services or benefits or other types of services, that:

(1) are in addition to the services ordinarily covered by the managed care plan offered by the managed care organization; and

(2) have the potential to improve the health status of enrollees in the plan.

(b) The changes in law made by Section 533.019, Government Code, as added by this section, apply to a contract between the Health and Human Services Commission and a managed care organization under Chapter 533, Government Code, that is entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of this section. The commission shall seek to amend contracts entered into with managed care organizations under that chapter before the effective date of this section to authorize those managed care organizations to offer value-added services to enrollees in accordance with Section 533.019, Government Code, as added by this section. SECTION 13. (a) Subtitle C, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 75 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 75. REGIONAL OR LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYEES OF

SMALL EMPLOYERS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 75.001. PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to:

(1) improve the health of employees of small employers and their families by improving the employees' access to health care and by reducing the number of those employees who are uninsured;

(2) reduce the likelihood that those employees and their families will require services from state-funded entitlement programs such as Medicaid;

(3) contribute to economic development by helping small businesses remain competitive with a healthy workforce and health care benefits that will attract employees; and

(4) encourage innovative solutions for providing and funding health care services and benefits.

Sec. 75.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Employee" means an individual employed by an employer. The term includes a partner of a partnership and the proprietor of a sole proprietorship.

(2) "Governing body" means:

(A) the commissioners courts of the counties participating in a regional health care program;

(B) the commissioners court of a county participating in a local health care program; or

(C) the governing body of the joint council, nonprofit entity exempt from federal taxation, or other entity that operates a regional or local health care program.

(3) "Local health care program" means a local health care program operating in one county and established for the benefit of the employees of small employers under Subchapter B.

(4) "Regional health care program" means a regional health care program operating in two or more counties and established for the benefit of the employees of small employers under Subchapter B.

(5) "Small employer" means a person who employed an average of at least two employees but not more than 50 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and who employs at least two employees on the first day of the plan year.

[Sections 75.003-75.050 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER B. REGIONAL OR LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

Sec. 75.051. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM; MULTICOUNTY COOPERATION. (a) The commissioners court of a county may, by order, establish or participate in a local health care program under this subchapter.

(b) The commissioners courts of two or more counties may, by joint order, establish or participate in a regional health care program under this subchapter.

Sec. 75.052. GOVERNANCE OF PROGRAM. (a) A regional health care program may be operated subject to the direct governance of the commissioners courts of the participating counties. A local health care program may be operated subject to the direct governance of the commissioners court of the participating county. A regional or local health care program may be operated by a joint council, tax-exempt nonprofit entity, or other entity that:

(1) operates the program under a contract with the commissioners court or courts, as applicable; or

(2) is an entity in which the county or counties participate or that is established or designated by the commissioners court or courts, as applicable, to operate the program.

(b) In selecting an entity described by Subsection (a)(1) or (2) to operate a regional or local health care program, the commissioners court or courts, as applicable, shall require, to the extent possible, that the entity be authorized under federal law to accept donations on a basis that is tax-deductible or otherwise tax-advantaged for the contributor.

Sec. 75.053. OPERATION OF PROGRAM. A regional or local health care program provides health care services or benefits to the employees of participating small employers who are located within the boundaries of the participating county or counties, as applicable. A program may also provide services or benefits to the dependents of those employees.

Sec. 75.054. PARTICIPATION BY SMALL EMPLOYERS; SHARE OF COST. Subject to Section 75.153, the governing body may establish criteria for participation in a regional or local health care program by small employers, the employees of the small employers, and their dependents. The criteria must require that participating employers and participating employees pay a share of the premium or other cost of the program.

Sec. 75.055. ADDITIONAL FUNDING. (a) A governing body may accept and use state money made available through an appropriation from the general revenue fund or a gift, grant, or donation from any source to operate the regional or local health care program and to provide services or benefits under the program.

(b) A governing body may apply for and receive funding from the health opportunity pool trust fund under Subchapter D.

(b-1) A governing body may apply for and receive a grant under Subchapter E to support a regional or local health care program if money is appropriated for that purpose. This subsection expires September 1, 2009.

(c) A governing body shall actively solicit gifts, grants, and donations to:

(1) fund services and benefits provided under the regional or local health care program; and

(2) reduce the cost of participation in the program for small employers and their employees.

[Sections 75.056-75.100 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER C. HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND BENEFITS

Sec. 75.101. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED; PROGRAM OBJECTIVES. In developing a regional or local health care program, a governing body may provide health care services or benefits as described by this subchapter or may develop another type of program to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. A regional or local health care program must be developed, to the extent practicable, to:

(1) reduce the number of individuals without health benefit plan coverage within the boundaries of the participating county or counties;

(2) address rising health care costs and reduce the cost of health care services or health benefit plan coverage for small employers and their employees within the boundaries of the participating county or counties;

(3) promote preventive care and reduce the incidence of preventable health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes and low birth weight in infants;

(4) promote efficient and collaborative delivery of health care services;

(5) serve as a model for the innovative use of health information technology to promote efficient delivery of health care services, reduce health care costs, and improve the health of the community; and

(6) provide fair payment rates for health care providers.

Sec. 75.102. HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COVERAGE. (a) A regional or local health care program may provide health care benefits to the employees of small employers by purchasing or facilitating the purchase of health benefit plan coverage for those employees from a health benefit plan issuer, including coverage under:

(1) a small employer health benefit plan offered under Chapter 1501, Insurance Code;

(2) a standard health benefit plan offered under Chapter 1507, Insurance Code; or

(3) any other health benefit plan available in this state.

(b) The governing body may form one or more cooperatives under Subchapter B, Chapter 1501, Insurance Code.

(c) Notwithstanding Chapter 1251, Insurance Code, an insurer may issue a group accident and health insurance policy, including a group contract issued by a group hospital service corporation, to cover the employees of small employers participating in a regional or local health care program. The group policyholder of a policy issued in accordance with this subsection is the governing body or the designee of the governing body.

(d) A health maintenance organization may issue a health care plan to cover the employees of small employers participating in a regional or local health care program. The group contract holder of a contract issued in accordance with this subsection is the governing body or the designee of the governing body.

Sec. 75.103. OTHER HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS OR PROGRAMS. To the extent authorized by federal law, the governing body may establish or facilitate the establishment of self-funded health benefit plans or may facilitate the provision of health benefit coverage through health savings accounts and high-deductible health plans.

Sec. 75.104. HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (a) A regional or local health care program may contract with health care providers within the boundaries of the participating county or counties to provide health care services directly to the employees of participating small employers and the dependents of those employees.

(b) A regional or local health care program shall allow any individual who receives state premium assistance to buy into the health benefit plan offered by the regional or local health care program.

(c) A governing body that operates a regional or local health care program under this section may require that participating employees and dependents obtain health care services only from health care providers that contract to provide those services under the program and may limit the health care services provided under the program to services provided within the boundaries of the participating county or counties.

(d) A governing body operating a regional or local health care program operated under this section is not an insurer or health maintenance organization and the program is not subject to regulation by the Texas Department of Insurance.

[Sections 75.105-75.150 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER D. TEXAS HEALTH OPPORTUNITY POOL FUNDS

Sec. 75.151. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "health opportunity pool trust fund" means the trust fund established under Subchapter N, Chapter 531, Government Code.

Sec. 75.152. FUNDING AUTHORIZED. Notwithstanding any other law, a regional or local health care program may apply for funding from the health opportunity pool trust fund and the fund may provide funding in accordance with this subchapter.

Sec. 75.153. ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDS; STATEWIDE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. To be eligible for funding from money in the health opportunity pool trust fund, a regional or local health care program must:

(1) comply with any requirement imposed under the waiver obtained under Section 531.502, Government Code, including, to the extent applicable, any requirement that health care benefits or services provided under the program be provided in accordance with statewide eligibility criteria; and

(2) provide health care benefits or services under the program to a person receiving premium payment assistance for health benefits coverage through a program established under Section 531.507, Government Code, regardless of whether the person is an employee, or dependent of an employee, of a small employer.

[Sections 75.154-75.200 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER E. GRANTS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Sec. 75.201. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.

(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the commission.

Sec. 75.202. GRANT PROGRAM. (a) The executive commissioner may establish a grant program to support the initial establishment and operation of one or more regional or local health care programs as demonstration projects, subject to the appropriation of money for this purpose.

(b) In selecting grant recipients, the executive commissioner shall consider the extent to which the regional or local health care program proposed by the applicant accomplishes the purposes of this chapter and meets the objectives established under Section 75.101.

(c) The commission shall establish performance objectives for a grant recipient and shall monitor the performance of the grant recipient.

Sec. 75.203. REVIEW OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECT; REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2008, the commission shall complete a review of each regional or local health care program that receives a grant under this subchapter and shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives a report that includes:

(1) an evaluation of the success of regional and local health care programs in accomplishing the purposes of this chapter; and

(2) the commission's recommendations for any legislation needed to facilitate or improve regional and local health care programs.

Sec. 75.204. EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires September 1, 2009.

(b) The heading to Subtitle C, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBTITLE C. PROGRAMS PROVIDING [INDIGENT] HEALTH CARE BENEFITS AND

SERVICES

SECTION 14. (a) Subsection (a), Section 773.004, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) This chapter does not apply to:

(1) [a ground transfer vehicle and staff used to transport a patient who is under a physician's care between medical facilities or between a medical facility and a private residence, unless it is medically necessary to transport the patient using a stretcher;

[(2)] air transfer that does not advertise as an ambulance service and that is not licensed by the department;

(2) [(3)] the use of ground or air transfer vehicles to transport sick or injured persons in a casualty situation that exceeds the basic vehicular capacity or capability of emergency medical services providers in the area;

(3) [(4)] an industrial ambulance; or

(4) [(5)] a physician, registered nurse, or other health care practitioner licensed by this state unless the health care practitioner staffs an emergency medical services vehicle regularly.

(b) Section 773.041, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) A person may not transport a patient by stretcher in a vehicle unless the person holds a license as an emergency medical services provider issued by the department in accordance with this chapter. For purposes of this subsection, "person" means an individual, corporation, organization, government, governmental subdivision or agency, business, trust, partnership, association, or any other legal entity.

(c) Not later than May 1, 2008, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt the rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this section to Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 15. Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 32.0214 to read as follows:

Sec. 32.0214. DESIGNATIONS OF PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER BY CERTAIN RECIPIENTS. (a) If the department determines that it is cost-effective and feasible and subject to Subsection (b), the department shall require each recipient of medical assistance to designate a primary care provider with whom the recipient will have a continuous, ongoing professional relationship and who will provide and coordinate the recipient's initial and primary care, maintain the continuity of care provided to the recipient, and initiate any referrals to other health care providers.

(b) A recipient who receives medical assistance through a Medicaid managed care model or arrangement under Chapter 533, Government Code, that requires the designation of a primary care provider shall designate the recipient's primary care provider as required by that model or arrangement.

SECTION 16. Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (y-1) to read as follows:

(y-1) A woman who receives a breast or cervical cancer screening service under Title XV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 300k et seq.) and who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for medical assistance for treatment of breast or cervical cancer as provided by Subsection (y) is eligible for medical assistance under that subsection, regardless of whether federal Medicaid matching funds are available for that medical assistance. A screening service of a type that is within the scope of screening services under that title is considered to be provided under that title regardless of whether the service was provided by a provider who receives or uses funds under that title.

SECTION 17. Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 32.02471 to read as follows:

Sec. 32.02471. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN FORMER FOSTER CARE ADOLESCENTS ENROLLED IN HIGHER EDUCATION. (a) In this section, "independent foster care adolescent" has the meaning assigned by Section 32.0247.

(b) The department shall provide medical assistance to a person who:

(1) is 21 years of age or older but younger than 23 years of age;

(2) would be eligible to receive assistance as an independent foster care adolescent under Section 32.0247 if the person were younger than 21 years of age; and

(3) is enrolled in an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003(8), Education Code, or a private or independent institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003(15), Education Code, that is located in this state and is making satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution.

SECTION 18. Section 32.0422, Human Resources Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 32.0422. HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS. (a) In this section:

(1) "Commission" ["Department"] means the Health and Human Services Commission [Texas Department of Health].

(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

(3) "Group health benefit plan" means a plan described by Section 1207.001, Insurance Code.

(b) The commission [department] shall identify individuals, otherwise entitled to medical assistance, who are eligible to enroll in a group health benefit plan. The commission [department] must include individuals eligible for or receiving health care services under a Medicaid managed care delivery system.

(b-1) To assist the commission in identifying individuals described by Subsection (b):

(1) the commission shall include on an application for medical assistance and on a form for recertification of a recipient's eligibility for medical assistance:

(A) an inquiry regarding whether the applicant or recipient, as applicable, is eligible to enroll in a group health benefit plan; and

(B) a statement informing the applicant or recipient, as applicable, that reimbursements for required premiums and cost-sharing obligations under the group health benefit plan may be available to the applicant or recipient; and

(2) not later than the 15th day of each month, the office of the attorney general shall provide to the commission the name, address, and social security number of each newly hired employee reported to the state directory of new hires operated under Chapter 234, Family Code, during the previous calendar month.

(c) The commission [department] shall require an individual requesting medical assistance or a recipient, during the recipient's eligibility recertification review, to provide information as necessary relating to any [the availability of a] group health benefit plan that is available to the individual or recipient through an employer of the individual or recipient or an employer of the individual's or recipient's spouse or parent to assist the commission in making the determination required by Subsection (d).

(d) For an individual identified under Subsection (b), the commission [department] shall determine whether it is cost-effective to enroll the individual in the group health benefit plan under this section.

(e) If the commission [department] determines that it is cost-effective to enroll the individual in the group health benefit plan, the commission [department] shall:

(1) require the individual to apply to enroll in the group health benefit plan as a condition for eligibility under the medical assistance program; and

(2) provide written notice to the issuer of the group health benefit plan in accordance with Chapter 1207, Insurance Code.

(e-1) This subsection applies only to an individual who is identified under Subsection (b) as being eligible to enroll in a group health benefit plan offered by an employer. If the commission determines under Subsection (d) that enrolling the individual in the group health benefit plan is not cost-effective, but the individual prefers to enroll in that plan instead of receiving benefits and services under the medical assistance program, the commission, if authorized by a waiver obtained under federal law, shall:

(1) allow the individual to voluntarily opt out of receiving services through the medical assistance program and enroll in the group health benefit plan;

(2) consider that individual to be a recipient of medical assistance; and

(3) provide written notice to the issuer of the group health benefit plan in accordance with Chapter 1207, Insurance Code.

(f) Except as provided by Subsection (f-1), the commission [The department] shall provide for payment of:

(1) the employee's share of required premiums for coverage of an individual enrolled in the group health benefit plan; and

(2) any deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing obligation imposed on the enrolled individual for an item or service otherwise covered under the medical assistance program.

(f-1) For an individual described by Subsection (e-1) who enrolls in a group health benefit plan, the commission shall provide for payment of the employee's share of the required premiums, except that if the employee's share of the required premiums exceeds the total estimated Medicaid costs for the individual, as determined by the executive commissioner, the individual shall pay the difference between the required premiums and those estimated costs. The individual shall also pay all deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing obligations imposed on the individual under the group health benefit plan.

(g) A payment made by the commission [department] under Subsection (f) or (f-1) is considered to be a payment for medical assistance.

(h) A payment of a premium for an individual who is a member of the family of an individual enrolled in a group health benefit plan under Subsection (e) [this section] and who is not eligible for medical assistance is considered to be a payment for medical assistance for an eligible individual if:

(1) enrollment of the family members who are eligible for medical assistance is not possible under the plan without also enrolling members who are not eligible; and

(2) the commission [department] determines it to be cost-effective.

(i) A payment of any deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing obligation of a family member who is enrolled in a group health benefit plan in accordance with Subsection (h) and who is not eligible for medical assistance:

(1) may not be paid under this chapter; and

(2) is not considered to be a payment for medical assistance for an eligible individual.

(i-1) The commission shall make every effort to expedite payments made under this section, including by ensuring that those payments are made through electronic transfers of money to the recipient's account at a financial institution, if possible. In lieu of reimbursing the individual enrolled in the group health benefit plan for required premium or cost-sharing payments made by the individual, the commission may, if feasible:

(1) make payments under this section for required premiums directly to the employer providing the group health benefit plan in which an individual is enrolled; or

(2) make payments under this section for required premiums and cost-sharing obligations directly to the group health benefit plan issuer.

(j) The commission [department] shall treat coverage under the group health benefit plan as a third party liability to the program. Subject to Subsection (j-1), enrollment [Enrollment] of an individual in a group health benefit plan under this section does not affect the individual's eligibility for medical assistance benefits, except that the state is entitled to payment under Sections 32.033 and 32.038.

(j-1) An individual described by Subsection (e-1) who enrolls in a group health benefit plan is not ineligible for community-based services provided under a Section 1915(c) waiver program or another federal waiver program solely based on the individual's enrollment in the group health benefit plan, and the individual may receive those services if the individual is otherwise eligible for the program. The individual is otherwise limited to the health benefits coverage provided under the health benefit plan in which the individual is enrolled, and the individual may not receive any benefits or services under the medical assistance program other than the premium payment as provided by Subsection (f-1) and, if applicable, waiver program services described by this subsection.

(k) The commission [department] may not require or permit an individual who is enrolled in a group health benefit plan under this section to participate in the Medicaid managed care program under Chapter 533, Government Code, or a Medicaid managed care demonstration project under Section 32.041.

(l) The commission, in consultation with the Texas Department of Insurance, shall provide training to agents who hold a general life, accident, and health license under Chapter 4054, Insurance Code, regarding the health insurance premium payment reimbursement program and the eligibility requirements for participation in the program. Participation in a training program established under this subsection is voluntary, and a general life, accident, and health agent who successfully completes the training is entitled to receive continuing education credit under Subchapter B, Chapter 4004, Insurance Code, in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance.

(m) The commission may pay a referral fee, in an amount determined by the commission, to each general life, accident, and health agent who, after completion of the training program established under Subsection (l), successfully refers an eligible individual to the commission for enrollment in a [Texas Department of Human Services shall provide information and otherwise cooperate with the department as necessary to ensure the enrollment of eligible individuals in the] group health benefit plan under this section.

(n) The commission shall develop procedures by which an individual described by Subsection (e-1) who enrolls in a group health benefit plan may, at the individual's option, resume receiving benefits and services under the medical assistance program instead of the group health benefit plan.

(o) The commission shall develop procedures which ensure that, prior to allowing an individual described by Subsection (e-1) to enroll in a group health benefit plan or allowing the parent or caretaker of an individual described by Subsection (e-1) under the age of 21 to enroll that child in a group health benefit plan:

(1) the individual must receive counseling informing them that for the period in which the individual is enrolled in the group health benefit plan:

(A) the individual shall be limited to the health benefits coverage provided under the health benefit plan in which the individual is enrolled;

(B) the individual may not receive any benefits or services under the medical assistance program other than the premium payment as provided by Subsection (f-1);

(C) the individual shall pay the difference between the required premiums and the premium payment as provided by Subsection (f-1) and shall also pay all deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing obligations imposed on the individual under the group health benefit plan; and

(D) the individual may, at the individual's option through procedures developed by the commission, resume receiving benefits and services under the medical assistance program instead of the group health benefit plan; and

(2) the individual must sign and the commission shall retain a copy of a waiver indicating the individual has provided informed consent.

(p) The executive commissioner [department] shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.

SECTION 19. (a) Section 32.058, Human Resources Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 32.058. LIMITATION ON MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN CERTAIN ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY-BASED CARE SETTINGS. (a) In this section, "medical assistance waiver program" means a program administered by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, other than the Texas home living program, that provides services under a waiver granted in accordance with 42 U.S.C. Section 1396n(c)[:

[(1) "Institution" means a nursing facility or an ICF-MR facility.

[(2) "Medical assistance waiver program" means:

[(A) the community-based alternatives program;

[(B) the community living assistance and support services program;

[(C) the deaf-blind/multiple disabilities program;

[(D) the consolidated waiver pilot program; or

[(E) the medically dependent children program].

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), [or] (d), (e), or (f), the department may not provide services under a medical assistance waiver program to a person [receiving medical assistance] if the projected cost of providing those services over a 12-month period exceeds the individual cost limit specified in the medical assistance waiver program.

(c) The department shall continue to provide services under a medical assistance waiver program to a person who was [is] receiving those services on September 1, 2005, at a cost that exceeded [exceeds] the individual cost limit specified in the medical assistance waiver program, if continuation of those services:

(1) is necessary for the person to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the person; and

(2) does not affect the department's compliance with the federal average per capita expenditure requirement [cost-effectiveness and efficiency requirements] of the medical assistance waiver program under 42 U.S.C. Section [Sections 1396n(b) and] 1396n(c)(2)(D).

(d) The department may continue to provide services under a medical assistance waiver program, other than the home and community-based services program, to a person who is ineligible to receive those services under Subsection (b) and to whom Subsection (c) does not apply if:

(1) the projected cost of providing those services to the person under the medical assistance waiver program over a 12-month period does not exceed 133.3 percent of the individual cost limit specified in the medical assistance waiver program; and

(2) continuation of those services does not affect the department's compliance with the federal average per capita expenditure requirement [cost-effectiveness and efficiency requirements] of the medical assistance waiver program under 42 U.S.C. Section [Sections 1396n(b) and] 1396n(c)(2)(D).

(e) The department may exempt a person from the cost limit established under Subsection (d)(1) for a medical assistance waiver program if the department determines that:

(1) the person's health and safety cannot be protected by the services provided within the cost limit established for the program under that subdivision; and

(2) there is no available living arrangement, other than one provided through the program or another medical assistance waiver program, in which the person's health and safety can be protected, as evidenced by:

(A) an assessment conducted by clinical staff of the department; and

(B) supporting documentation, including the person's medical and service records.

(f) The department may continue to provide services under the home and community-based services program to a person who is ineligible to receive those services under Subsection (b) and to whom Subsection (c) does not apply if the department makes, with regard to the person's receipt of services under the home and community-based services program, the same determinations required by Subsections (e)(1) and (2) in the same manner provided by Subsection (e) and determines that continuation of those services does not affect:

(1) the department's compliance with the federal average per capita expenditure requirement of the home and community-based services program under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396n(c)(2)(D); and

(2) any cost-effectiveness requirements provided by the General Appropriations Act that limit expenditures for the home and community-based services program.

(g) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may adopt rules to implement Subsections (d), (e), and (f) [under which the department may exempt a person from the cost limit established under Subsection (d)(1)].

(h) If a federal agency determines that compliance with any provision in this section would make this state ineligible to receive federal funds to administer a program to which this section applies, a state agency may, but is not required to, implement that provision.

(b) The changes in law made by this section apply only to a person receiving medical assistance on or after the effective date of this section, regardless of when eligibility for that assistance was determined.

SECTION 20. Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 32.0641 to read as follows:

Sec. 32.0641. COST SHARING FOR CERTAIN HIGH-COST MEDICAL SERVICES. (a) If the department determines that it is feasible and cost-effective, and to the extent permitted under Title XIX, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1396 et seq.) and any other applicable law or regulation or under a federal waiver or other authorization, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt cost-sharing provisions that require a recipient who chooses a high-cost medical service provided through a hospital emergency room to pay a copayment, premium payment, or other cost-sharing payment for the high-cost medical service if:

(1) the hospital from which the recipient seeks service:

(A) performs an appropriate medical screening and determines that the recipient does not have a condition requiring emergency medical services;

(B) informs the recipient:

(i) that the recipient does not have a condition requiring emergency medical services;

(ii) that, if the hospital provides the nonemergency service, the hospital may require payment of a copayment, premium payment, or other cost-sharing payment by the recipient in advance; and

(iii) of the name and address of a nonemergency Medicaid provider who can provide the appropriate medical service without imposing a cost-sharing payment; and

(C) offers to provide the recipient with a referral to the nonemergency provider to facilitate scheduling of the service; and

(2) after receiving the information and assistance described by Subdivision (1) from the hospital, the recipient chooses to obtain emergency medical services despite having access to medically acceptable, lower-cost medical services.

(b) The department may not seek a federal waiver or other authorization under Subsection (a) that would:

(1) prevent a Medicaid recipient who has a condition requiring emergency medical services from receiving care through a hospital emergency room; or

(2) waive any provision under Section 1867, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1395dd).

(c) If the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission adopts a copayment or other cost-sharing payment under Subsection (a), the commission may not reduce hospital payments to reflect the potential receipt of a copayment or other payment from a recipient receiving medical services provided through a hospital emergency room.

SECTION 21. (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 32.072 to read as follows:

Sec. 32.072. DIRECT ACCESS TO EYE HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a recipient of medical assistance is entitled to:

(1) select an ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist who is a medical assistance provider to provide eye health care services, other than surgery, that are within the scope of:

(A) services provided under the medical assistance program; and

(B) the professional specialty practice for which the ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist is licensed and credentialed; and

(2) have direct access to the selected ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist for the provision of the nonsurgical services without any requirement to obtain:

(A) a referral from a primary care physician or other gatekeeper or health care coordinator; or

(B) any other prior authorization or precertification.

(b) The department may require an ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist selected as provided by this section by a recipient of medical assistance who is otherwise required to have a primary care physician or other gatekeeper or health care coordinator to forward to the recipient's physician, gatekeeper, or health care coordinator information concerning the eye health care services provided to the recipient.

(c) This section may not be construed to expand the scope of eye health care services provided under the medical assistance program.

(b) Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 533.0026 to read as follows:

Sec. 533.0026. DIRECT ACCESS TO EYE HEALTH CARE SERVICES UNDER MEDICAID MANAGED CARE MODEL OR ARRANGEMENT. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission shall ensure that a managed care plan offered by a managed care organization that contracts with the commission under this chapter and any other Medicaid managed care model or arrangement implemented under this chapter allow a Medicaid recipient who receives services through the plan or other model or arrangement to, in the manner and to the extent required by Section 32.072, Human Resources Code:

(1) select an in-network ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist in the managed care network to provide eye health care services, other than surgery; and

(2) have direct access to the selected in-network ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist for the provision of the nonsurgical services.

(b) This section does not affect the obligation of an ophthalmologist or therapeutic optometrist in a managed care network to comply with the terms and conditions of the managed care plan.

(c) The changes in law made by Section 533.0026, Government Code, as added by this section, apply to a contract between the Health and Human Services Commission and a managed care organization under Chapter 533, Government Code, that is entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of this section.

SECTION 22. Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subchapter C to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER C. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Sec. 32.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Electronic health record" means electronically originated and maintained health and claims information regarding the health status of an individual that may be derived from multiple sources and includes the following core functionalities:

(A) a patient health and claims information or data entry function to aid with medical diagnosis, nursing assessment, medication lists, allergy recognition, demographics, clinical narratives, and test results;

(B) a results management function that may include computerized laboratory test results, diagnostic imaging reports, interventional radiology reports, and automated displays of past and present medical or laboratory test results;

(C) a computerized physician order entry of medication, care orders, and ancillary services;

(D) clinical decision support that may include electronic reminders and prompts to improve prevention, diagnosis, and management; and

(E) electronic communication and connectivity that allows online communication:

(i) among physicians and health care providers; and

(ii) among the Health and Human Services Commission, the operating agencies, and participating providers.

(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

(3) "Health care provider" means a person, other than a physician, who is licensed or otherwise authorized to provide a health care service in this state.

(4) "Health information technology" means information technology used to improve the quality, safety, or efficiency of clinical practice, including the core functionalities of an electronic health record, electronic medical record, computerized physician or health care provider order entry, electronic prescribing, and clinical decision support technology.

(5) "Operating agency" means a health and human services agency operating part of the medical assistance program.

(6) "Participating provider" means a physician or health care provider who is a provider of medical assistance, including a physician or health care provider who contracts or otherwise agrees with a managed care organization to provide medical assistance under this chapter.

(7) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in this state under the authority of Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code, or a person that is:

(A) a professional association of physicians formed under the Texas Professional Association Law, as described by Section 1.008, Business Organizations Code;

(B) an approved nonprofit health corporation certified under Chapter 162, Occupations Code, that employs or contracts with physicians to provide medical services;

(C) a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, a medical school, as defined by Section 61.501, Education Code, or a health science center described by Subchapter K, Chapter 74, Education Code, that employs or contracts with physicians to teach or provide medical services, or employs physicians and contracts with physicians in a practice plan; or

(D) a person wholly owned by a person described by Paragraph (A), (B), or (C).

(8) "Recipient" means a recipient of medical assistance.

Sec. 32.102. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. (a) To the extent allowed by federal law, the executive commissioner may adopt rules allowing the Health and Human Services Commission to permit, facilitate, and implement the use of health information technology for the medical assistance program to allow for electronic communication among the commission, the operating agencies, and participating providers for:

(1) eligibility, enrollment, verification procedures, and prior authorization for health care services or procedures covered by the medical assistance program, as determined by the executive commissioner, including diagnostic imaging;

(2) the update of practice information by participating providers;

(3) the exchange of recipient health care information, including electronic prescribing and electronic health records;

(4) any document or information requested or required under the medical assistance program by the Health and Human Services Commission, the operating agencies, or participating providers; and

(5) the enhancement of clinical and drug information available through the vendor drug program to ensure a comprehensive electronic health record for recipients.

(b) If the executive commissioner determines that a need exists for the use of health information technology in the medical assistance program and that the technology is cost-effective, the Health and Human Services Commission may, for the purposes prescribed by Subsection (a):

(1) acquire and implement the technology; or

(2) evaluate the feasibility of developing and, if feasible, develop, the technology through the use or expansion of other systems or technologies the commission uses for other purposes, including:

(A) the technologies used in the pilot program implemented under Section 531.1063, Government Code; and

(B) the health passport developed under Section 266.006, Family Code.

(c) The commission:

(1) must ensure that health information technology used under this section complies with the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act;

(2) may require the health information technology used under this section to include technology to extract and process claims and other information collected, stored, or accessed by the medical assistance program, program contractors, participating providers, and state agencies operating any part of the medical assistance program for the purpose of providing patient information at the location where the patient is receiving care;

(3) must ensure that a paper record or document is not required to be filed if the record or document is permitted or required to be filed or transmitted electronically by rule of the executive commissioner;

(4) may provide for incentives to participating providers to encourage their use of health information technology under this subchapter;

(5) may provide recipients with a method to access their own health information; and

(6) may present recipients with an option to decline having their health information maintained in an electronic format under this subchapter.

(d) The executive commissioner shall consult with participating providers and other interested stakeholders in developing any proposed rules under this section. The executive commissioner shall request advice and information from those stakeholders concerning the proposed rules, including advice regarding the impact of and need for a proposed rule.

SECTION 23. (a) Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subchapter D to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER D. ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION PILOT PROGRAM

Sec. 32.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Electronic health record" means an ambulatory electronic health record that is certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology or that meets other federally approved interoperability standards.

(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

(3) "Health information technology" means information technology used to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of clinical practice, including the core functionalities of an electronic health record, computerized physician order entry, electronic prescribing, and clinical decision support technology.

(4) "Provider" means:

(A) an individual licensed to practice medicine in this state under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code;

(B) a professional association of four or fewer physicians formed under the Texas Professional Association Law, as described by Section 1.008, Business Organizations Code; or

(C) an advanced practice nurse licensed and authorized to practice under Subtitle E, Title 3, Occupations Code.

(5) "Recipient" means a recipient of medical assistance.

Sec. 32.152. ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION PILOT PROGRAM. The executive commissioner, from money appropriated for this purpose, shall develop and implement a pilot program for providing health information technology, including electronic health records, for use by primary care providers who provide medical assistance to recipients.

Sec. 32.153. PROVIDER PARTICIPATION. For participation in the pilot program, the department shall select providers who:

(1) volunteer to participate in the program;

(2) are providers of medical assistance, including providers who contract or otherwise agree with a managed care organization to provide medical assistance under this chapter; and

(3) demonstrate that at least 40 percent of the providers' practice involves the provision of primary care services to recipients in the medical assistance program.

Sec. 32.154. SECURITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION. (a) Personally identifiable health information of recipients enrolled in the pilot program must be maintained in an electronic format or technology that meets interoperability standards that are recognized by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology or other federally approved certification standards.

(b) The system used to access a recipient's electronic health record must be secure and maintain the confidentiality of the recipient's personally identifiable health information in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Sec. 32.155. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The department may request and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public or private entities for the implementation of the pilot program.

Sec. 32.156. PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION. To the extent that this subchapter authorizes the use or disclosure of protected health information by a covered entity, as those terms are defined by the privacy rule of the Administrative Simplification subtitle of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-191) contained in 45 C.F.R. Part 160 and 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subparts A and E, the covered entity shall ensure that the use or disclosure complies with all applicable requirements, standards, or implementation specifications of the privacy rule.

Sec. 32.157. EXPIRATION OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter expires September 1, 2011.

(b) Not later than December 31, 2008, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, presiding officer of the House Committee on Public Health, and presiding officer of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services a report regarding the preliminary results of the pilot program established under Subchapter D, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code, as added by this section, and any recommendations regarding expansion of the pilot program, including any recommendations for legislation and requests for appropriation necessary for the expansion of the pilot program.

SECTION 24. (a) Subsection (a), Section 1207.002, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) A group health benefit plan issuer shall permit an individual who is otherwise eligible for enrollment in the plan to enroll in the plan, without regard to any enrollment period restriction, on receipt of written notice from the Health and Human Services Commission [or a designee of the commission stating] that the individual is:

(1) a recipient of medical assistance under the state Medicaid program and is a participant in the health insurance premium payment reimbursement program under Section 32.0422, Human Resources Code; or

(2) a child eligible for [enrolled in] the state child health plan under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code, and eligible to participate [is a participant] in the health insurance premium assistance program under Section 62.059, Health and Safety Code.

(b) Section 1207.003, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 1207.003. EFFECTIVE DATE OF ENROLLMENT. (a) Unless enrollment occurs during an established enrollment period, enrollment in a group health benefit plan under Section 1207.002 takes effect on:

(1) the eligibility enrollment date specified in the written notice from the Health and Human Services Commission under Section 1207.002(a); or

(2) the first day of the first calendar month that begins at least 30 days after the date written notice or a written request is received by the plan issuer under Section 1207.002(a) or (b), as applicable.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the individual must comply with a waiting period required under the state child health plan under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code, or under the health insurance premium assistance program under Section 62.059, Health and Safety Code, as applicable.

(c) Subsection (b), Section 1207.004, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) Notwithstanding any other requirement of a group health benefit plan, the plan issuer shall permit an individual who is enrolled in the plan under Section 1207.002(a)(2), and any family member of the individual enrolled under Section 1207.002(c), to terminate enrollment in the plan not later than the 60th day after the date on which the individual provides a written request to disenroll from the plan because the individual [satisfactory proof to the issuer that the child is] no longer wishes to participate [a participant] in the health insurance premium assistance program under Section 62.059, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 25. Subtitle G, Title 8, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Chapter 1508 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 1508. HEALTHY TEXAS PROGRAM

Sec. 1508.001. STUDY; REPORT. (a) The commissioner shall conduct a study concerning a Healthy Texas Program, under which small employer health plan coverage would be offered through the program to persons who would be eligible for that coverage.

(b) The study shall include a market analysis to assist in identification of underserved segments in the voluntary small employer group health benefit plan coverage market in this state.

(c) The commissioner, using existing resources, may contract with actuaries and other experts as necessary to conduct the study.

(d) Not later than November 1, 2008, the commissioner shall provide a report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the legislature addressing the results of the study concerning the Healthy Texas Program. The report must include an analysis and information regarding:

(1) the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed program;

(2) prospective structure and function of the program and its components;

(3) prospective program design and administration, including fundamental operational procedures, powers and duties of the commissioner, and powers and duties of the program board of directors;

(4) recommendations for program eligibility criteria and minimum standards applicable to group health benefit plans that may be included in the program;

(5) identification of other program requirements or restrictions and limitations necessary for successful implementation of the program;

(6) the potential economic impact that the program would have on the small employer insurance market in this state;

(7) the anticipated impact that the program would have on the quality of health care provided in this state; and

(8) recommendations for any statutory changes to address implementation of the program.

Sec. 1508.002. EXPIRATION. This chapter expires September 1, 2009.

SECTION 26. (a) The Texas Health Care Policy Council, in coordination with the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio, the Regional Center for Health Workforce Studies at the Center for Health Economics and Policy of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the Texas Medical Board, shall conduct a study regarding increasing:

(1) the number of medical residency programs and medical residents in this state; and

(2) the number of physicians practicing medical specialties.

(b) The study must:

(1) examine the feasibility of using a percentage of physician licensing fees to increase the number of medical residency programs and medical residents in this state;

(2) put emphasis on, and recommend a plan of action for, increasing the number of:

(A) medical residency programs and medical residents in medically underserved areas of this state; and

(B) physicians practicing medical specialties that are underrepresented in this state; and

(3) determine the number of medical residents that obtain a license to practice medicine in this state on completion of a medical residency program in this state.

(c) Not later than December 1, 2008, the Texas Health Care Policy Council shall:

(1) report the results of the study to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(2) make available the raw data from the study to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the House Committee on Public Health, and the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

(d) The Texas Health Care Policy Council may accept gifts, grants, and donations of any kind from any source for the purposes of this section.

(e) This section expires January 1, 2009.

SECTION 27. (a) In this section, "committee" means the committee on health and long-term care insurance incentives.

(b) The committee on health and long-term care insurance incentives is established to study and develop recommendations regarding methods by which this state may reduce:

(1) the need for residents of this state to rely on the Medicaid program by providing incentives for employers to provide health insurance, long-term care insurance, or both, to their employees; and

(2) the number of individuals in the state who are not covered by health insurance or long-term care insurance.

(c) The committee on health and long-term care insurance incentives is composed of:

(1) the presiding officers of:

(A) the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services;

(B) the House Committee on Public Health;

(C) the Senate Committee on State Affairs; and

(D) the House Committee on Insurance;

(2) three public members, appointed by the governor, who collectively represent the diversity of businesses in this state, including diversity with respect to:

(A) the geographic regions in which those businesses are located;

(B) the types of industries in which those businesses are engaged; and

(C) the sizes of those businesses, as determined by number of employees; and

(3) the following ex officio members:

(A) the comptroller of public accounts;

(B) the commissioner of insurance; and

(C) the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

(d) The committee shall elect a presiding officer from the committee members and shall meet at the call of the presiding officer.

(e) The committee shall study and develop recommendations regarding incentives this state may provide to employers to encourage those employers to provide health insurance, long-term care insurance, or both, to employees who would otherwise rely on the Medicaid program to meet their health and long-term care needs. In conducting the study, the committee shall:

(1) examine the feasibility and determine the cost of providing incentives through:

(A) the franchise tax under Chapter 171, Tax Code, including allowing exclusions from an employer's total revenue of insurance premiums paid for employees, regardless of whether the employer chooses under Subparagraph (ii), Paragraph (B), Subdivision (1), Subsection (a), Section 171.101, Tax Code, as effective January 1, 2008, to subtract cost of goods sold or compensation for purposes of determining the employer's taxable margin;

(B) deductions from or refunds of other taxes imposed on the employer; and

(C) any other means, as determined by the committee; and

(2) for each incentive the committee examines under Subdivision (1) of this subsection, determine the impact that implementing the incentive would have on reducing the number of individuals in this state who do not have private health or long-term care insurance coverage, including individuals who are Medicaid recipients.

(e-1) The committee shall:

(1) study and develop recommendations regarding:

(A) the cost of health care coverage under health benefit plans and how to reduce the cost of coverage through the following or other methods:

(i) changes in health benefit plan design or scope of services covered;

(ii) improvements in disease management and other utilization review practices by health care providers and health benefit plans;

(iii) reductions in administrative costs incurred by health care providers and health benefit plans;

(iv) improvements in the use of health care information technology by health care providers and health benefit plans; and

(v) development of a reinsurance system for health care claims in excess of $50,000; and

(B) the availability of health care coverage under health benefit plans and how to expand health care coverage through the following or other methods:

(i) the providing of premium subsidies for health benefit plan coverage by the state or local political subdivisions, including three-share or multiple-share programs;

(ii) the inclusion of individuals or employees of private employers under state or local political subdivision health benefit plans, including the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool;

(iii) inclusion of family members and dependents under a group health benefit plan regardless of age; and

(iv) requiring vendors of state and local political subdivisions to provide health benefit plan coverage for their employees and the employee's family and dependents; and

(2) provide information obtained in studying the issues under Subdivision (1) of this subsection to the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance for purposes of developing a health benefits coverage premium payment assistance program under Section 531.507, Government Code, as added by this Act.

(f) Not later than September 1, 2008, the committee shall submit to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, the House Committee on Public Health, the Senate Committee on State Affairs, and the House Committee on Insurance a report regarding the results of the study required by this section. The report must include a detailed description of each incentive the committee examined and determined is feasible and, for each of those incentives, specify:

(1) the anticipated cost associated with providing that incentive;

(2) any statutory changes needed to implement the incentive; and

(3) the impact that implementing the incentive would have on reducing:

(A) the number of individuals in this state who do not have private health or long-term care insurance coverage; and

(B) the number of individuals in this state who are Medicaid recipients.

SECTION 28. (a) The Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a study regarding the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of developing and implementing an integrated Medicaid managed care model designed to improve the management of care provided to Medicaid recipients who are aging, blind, or disabled or have chronic health care needs and are not enrolled in a managed care plan offered under a capitated Medicaid managed care model, including recipients who reside in:

(1) rural areas of this state; or

(2) urban or surrounding areas in which the Medicaid Star + Plus program or another capitated Medicaid managed care model is not available.

(b) Not later than September 1, 2008, the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit a report regarding the results of the study to the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over the Medicaid program.

SECTION 29. (a) In this section:

(1) "Child health plan program" means the state child health plan program authorized by Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code.

(2) "Medicaid" means the medical assistance program provided under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code.

(b) The Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a study of the feasibility of providing a health passport for:

(1) children under 19 years of age who are receiving Medicaid and are not provided a health passport under another law of this state; and

(2) children enrolled in the child health plan program.

(c) The feasibility study must:

(1) examine the cost-effectiveness of the use of a health passport in conjunction with the coordination of health care services under each program;

(2) identify any barriers to the implementation of the health passport developed for each program and recommend strategies for the removal of those barriers;

(3) examine whether the use of a health passport will improve the quality of care for children described in Subsection (b) of this section; and

(4) determine the fiscal impact to this state of the proposed initiative.

(d) Not later than January 1, 2009, the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and presiding officers of each standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over the commission a written report containing the findings of the study and the commission's recommendations.

(e) This section expires September 1, 2009.

SECTION 30. (a) The Medicaid Reform Legislative Oversight Committee is created to facilitate the reform efforts in Medicaid, the process of addressing the issues of uncompensated hospital care, and the establishment of programs addressing the uninsured.

(b) The committee is composed of eight members, as follows:

(1) four members of the senate, appointed by the lieutenant governor not later than October 1, 2007; and

(2) four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives not later than October 1, 2007.

(c) A member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the appointing official.

(d) The lieutenant governor shall designate a member of the committee as the presiding officer.

(e) A member of the committee may not receive compensation for serving on the committee but is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the committee as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

(f) The committee shall:

(1) facilitate the design and development of any Medicaid waivers needed to affect reform as directed by this Act;

(2) facilitate a smooth transition from existing Medicaid payment systems and benefit designs to the new model of Medicaid enabled by waiver or policy change by the Health and Human Services Commission;

(3) meet at the call of the presiding officer; and

(4) research, take public testimony, and issue reports requested by the lieutenant governor or speaker of the house of representatives.

(g) The committee may:

(1) request reports and other information from the Health and Human Services Commission; and

(2) review the findings of the work group on uncompensated hospital care established under Section 531.552, Government Code, as added by this Act.

(h) The committee shall use existing staff of the senate, the house of representatives, and the Texas Legislative Council to assist the committee in performing its duties under this section.

(i) Chapter 551, Government Code, applies to the committee.

(j) The committee shall report to the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives not later than November 15, 2008. The report must include:

(1) identification of significant issues that impede the transition to a more effective Medicaid program;

(2) the measures of effectiveness associated with changes to the Medicaid program;

(3) the impact of Medicaid changes on safety net hospitals and other significant traditional providers; and

(4) the impact on the uninsured in Texas.

(k) This section expires September 1, 2009, and the committee is abolished on that date.

(l) This section takes effect immediately if this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for this section to have immediate effect, this section takes effect September 1, 2007.

SECTION 31. (a) In this section:

(1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.

(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Insurance.

(b) The department and the commission shall jointly study a small employer premium assistance program to provide financial assistance for the purchase of small employer health benefit plans by small employers.

(c) The study conducted under this section must address:

(1) options for program funding, including use of money in the Texas health opportunity pool trust fund as described by Section 531.507, Government Code, as added by this Act;

(2) coordination with any other premium assistance effort operated, under development, or under consideration by either agency; and

(3) recommended program design, including:

(A) the manner of targeting small employers;

(B) provisions to discourage employers and others from electing to discontinue other private coverage for employees;

(C) a minimum premium, or percentage of premium, that a small employer must pay for each eligible employee's coverage;

(D) eligibility requirements for enrollees for whom financial assistance is provided to individuals;

(E) allocation of opportunities for enrollment in the program;

(F) the duration of enrollment in the program and requirements for renewal; and

(G) verification that small employers participating in the program use premium assistance to purchase and maintain a small employer health benefit plan.

(d) In conducting the study, the department and the commission may consider programs and efforts undertaken by other states to provide premium assistance to small employers.

(e) Not later than November 1, 2008, the department and the commission shall jointly submit a report to the legislature. The report must summarize the results of the study conducted under this section and the recommendations of the department and commission and may include recommendations for proposed legislation to implement a small employer premium assistance program as described by Subsection (b) of this section.

SECTION 32. (a) Subject to the appropriation of funds for these purposes and Subsection (c) of this section, all powers, duties, functions, activities, obligations, rights, contracts, records, assets, personal property, personnel, and appropriations or other money of the Texas Department of Transportation that are essential to the administration of the medical transportation program, as specified in Section 531.0057, Government Code, as added by this Act, are transferred to the Health and Human Services Commission.

(b) A reference in law or an administrative rule to the Texas Department of Transportation that relates to the medical transportation program means the Health and Human Services Commission.

(c) The Texas Department of Transportation shall take all action necessary to provide for the transfer of its contractual obligations to administer the medical transportation program, as specified in Section 531.0057, Government Code, as added by this Act, to the Health and Human Services Commission as soon as possible after the effective date of this section but not later than September 1, 2008.

(d) Effective September 1, 2008, Subsection (a), Section 461.012, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The commission shall:

(1) provide for research and study of the problems of chemical dependency in this state and seek to focus public attention on those problems through public information and education programs;

(2) plan, develop, coordinate, evaluate, and implement constructive methods and programs for the prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of chemical dependency in cooperation with federal and state agencies, local governments, organizations, and persons, and provide technical assistance, funds, and consultation services for statewide and community-based services;

(3) cooperate with and enlist the assistance of:

(A) other state, federal, and local agencies;

(B) hospitals and clinics;

(C) public health, welfare, and criminal justice system authorities;

(D) educational and medical agencies and organizations; and

(E) other related public and private groups and persons;

(4) expand chemical dependency services for children when funds are available because of the long-term benefits of those services to the state and its citizens;

(5) sponsor, promote, and conduct educational programs on the prevention and treatment of chemical dependency, and maintain a public information clearinghouse to purchase and provide books, literature, audiovisuals, and other educational material for the programs;

(6) sponsor, promote, and conduct training programs for persons delivering prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation services and for persons in the criminal justice system or otherwise in a position to identify chemically dependent persons and their families in need of service;

(7) require programs rendering services to chemically dependent persons to safeguard those persons' legal rights of citizenship and maintain the confidentiality of client records as required by state and federal law;

(8) maximize the use of available funds for direct services rather than administrative services;

(9) consistently monitor the expenditure of funds and the provision of services by all grant and contract recipients to assure that the services are effective and properly staffed and meet the standards adopted under this chapter;

(10) make the monitoring reports prepared under Subdivision (9) a matter of public record;

(11) license treatment facilities under Chapter 464;

(12) use funds appropriated to the commission to carry out this chapter and maximize the overall state allotment of federal funds;

(13) develop and implement policies that will provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the commission and to speak on any issue under the commission's jurisdiction;

(14) establish minimum criteria that peer assistance programs must meet to be governed by and entitled to the benefits of a law that authorizes licensing and disciplinary authorities to establish or approve peer assistance programs for impaired professionals;

(15) adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs;

(16) plan, develop, coordinate, evaluate, and implement constructive methods and programs to provide healthy alternatives for youth at risk of selling controlled substances;

(17) submit to the federal government reports and strategies necessary to comply with Section 1926 of the federal Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act, Pub. L. 102-321 (42 U.S.C. Section 300x-26); reports and strategies are to be coordinated with appropriate state governmental entities; and

(18) regulate, coordinate, and provide training for alcohol awareness courses required under Section 106.115, Alcoholic Beverage Code, and may charge a fee for an activity performed by the commission under this subdivision[; and

[(19) contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Texas Department of Transportation to assume all responsibilities of the commission relating to the provision of transportation services for clients of eligible programs].

(e) Notwithstanding Subdivision (19), Subsection (a), Section 461.012, Health and Safety Code, the Health and Human Services Commission shall implement that section only to the extent necessary until the commission effects the transfer of the medical transportation program, as specified in Section 531.0057, Government Code, as added by this Act, to the commission not later than September 1, 2008.

(f) The following sections remain in effect until September 1, 2008, for the limited purpose of effecting the transfer of the medical transportation program, as specified in Section 531.0057, Government Code, as added by this Act. The following sections are repealed, effective September 1, 2008:

(1) Subsection (b), Section 531.02412, Government Code;

(2) Subsection (g), Section 461.012, Health and Safety Code;

(3) Subsection (b), Section 533.012, Health and Safety Code;

(4) Subsection (e), Section 22.001, Human Resources Code;

(5) Subsection (f), Section 40.002, Human Resources Code;

(6) Subsection (g), Section 91.021, Human Resources Code;

(7) Subsection (b), Section 101.0256, Human Resources Code;

(8) Subsection (d), Section 111.0525, Human Resources Code;

(9) Section 455.0015, Transportation Code; and

(10) Section 461.003, Transportation Code.

SECTION 33. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held by a court to be invalid, that invalidity does not affect the other provisions of this Act, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

SECTION 34. If before implementing any provision of this Act a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted.

SECTION 35. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 10 passed the Senate on April 17, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0; May 24, 2007, Senate refused to concur in House amendments and requested appointment of Conference Committee; May 25, 2007, House granted request of the Senate; May 27, 2007, Senate adopted Conference Committee Report by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 10 passed the House, with amendments, on May 23, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 137, Nays 9, one present not voting; May 25, 2007, House granted request of the Senate for appointment of Conference Committee; May 27, 2007, House adopted Conference Committee Report by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 3, two present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor