AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The percentage of physicians who accept Medicaid patients has been declining for years.  A 2012 survey conducted by the Texas Medical Association showed that 31 percent of doctors accepted new Medicaid patients in 2012, compared to 67 percent in 2000. A 2014 survey of 15 large cities found that only 23 percent of DFW-area (Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex) doctors accepted new Medicaid patients, as compared to the national average of 46 percent.  To encourage the provision of medical services to low-income persons, S.J.R. 61 permits a county commissioners court to grant up to a 50 percent residential appraisal exemption to physicians who treat residents who are indigent or Medicaid recipients without remuneration.  The amendment is to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015.

 

S.J.R. 61 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county of a portion of the value of the residence homestead of a physician who provides health care services for which the physician agrees not to seek payment from any source, including the Medicaid program or otherwise from this state or the federal government, to indigent residents of the county.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, by adding Subsection (r), as follows:

 

(r) Authorizes the commissioners court of a county by official action to exempt from ad valorem taxation by the county a percentage, not to exceed 50 percent, of the assessed value of the residence homestead of a licensed physician who provides health care services for which the physician agrees not to seek payment from any source, including the Medicaid program or otherwise from this state or the federal government, to indigent residents of the county. Provides that the exemption is in addition to any other exemptions provided by this section. Authorizes the legislature by general law to impose additional eligibility requirements for the exemption.

 

SECTION 2. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.