Bill > HB891

This bill proposes a comprehensive reform of Texas' Medicaid program by creating a new system that shifts from traditional Medicaid to a more market-driven approach focused on private health insurance coverage. The legislation establishes two key programs: a block grant funding system for Medicaid and a new program to connect low-income residents with private health benefit plans. Under the proposed system, individuals with household incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level would be eligible for acute care benefits, with an emphasis on using managed care models and providing sliding-scale subsidies to help purchase private health insurance. The bill introduces innovative features like health savings accounts, personalized benefits packages, and cost-sharing requirements to encourage personal responsibility. Additionally, the legislation creates a Medicaid Reform Task Force to advise on program design and requires the Health and Human Services Commission to negotiate with federal agencies to obtain the necessary waivers and funding flexibility. The bill also includes provisions for studying estate recovery, income and asset limits for long-term services, and potential improvements to support services like housing assistance for Medicaid recipients. Notably, the proposed approach is explicitly designed to be cost-neutral, leverage existing resources, and provide a Texas-specific solution to healthcare coverage for low-income residents.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB891