88R12226 MM-D
 
  By: Lalani H.B. No. 3085
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher
  education provide applicants with certain information regarding
  eligibility for public health programs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 51.9199 to read as follows:
         Sec. 51.9199.  REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH
  PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher
  education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
         (b)  An institution of higher education shall distribute to
  each applicant for admission as an entering freshman or
  undergraduate transfer student information designed to educate and
  inform the applicant about eligibility requirements for public
  health benefits coverage, including coverage under Medicaid and the
  child health plan program. The information must: 
               (1)  clearly explain the eligibility requirements for
  the applicable public health programs;
               (2)  address the most common health care needs of the
  student population in relation to the public health benefits that
  may be available to the applicant under the public health programs; 
               (3)  be tailored specifically to the student population
  who may complete the necessary forms independently; and
               (4)  include the enrollment procedures for the public
  health programs, including a link to the Health and Human Services
  Commission's Internet website that displays that enrollment
  information.
         (c)  To support the provision of information under
  Subsection (b), the Health and Human Services Commission shall
  develop informational material about the eligibility requirements
  for public health benefits coverage, including coverage under
  Medicaid and the child health plan program, that is:
               (1)  up to date; and
               (2)  clear and easy to understand.
         SECTION 2.  Section 51.9199, Education Code, as added by
  this Act, applies beginning with the 2023 fall semester.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it 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 immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.