Bill > HB171

This bill expands Medicaid eligibility in Texas to include all individuals who apply and for whom federal matching funds are available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to adopt rules regarding the provision of this expanded medical assistance and to report annually on the effects of the expansion, including its impact on the number of uninsured individuals, state and local health care costs, and charity/uncompensated care costs for hospitals. The bill applies to initial determinations and recertifications of Medicaid eligibility made on or after the date the new eligibility requirements are implemented, and the HHSC must take necessary actions to expand eligibility in accordance with the bill, including notifying federal agencies, as soon as possible after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2021.