Bill > HB1355

This bill expands Medicaid eligibility in Texas by requiring the state health commission to provide medical assistance to all individuals who qualify for federal matching funds under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically, the bill mandates that the executive commissioner adopt rules for implementing this expanded medical assistance and requires an annual report to state leadership detailing the impacts of this expansion, including changes in the number of uninsured individuals, state and local healthcare costs, and charity care expenses. The expansion will apply to initial determinations and recertifications of medical assistance starting January 1, 2026, and the executive commissioner is instructed to take necessary actions to implement the expansion, including notifying federal agencies. If any additional federal waivers are required for implementation, the relevant state agency can request those waivers and delay implementation until they are granted. The bill is designed to increase healthcare coverage by leveraging federal funds available through the ACA, with a focus on tracking and understanding the broader healthcare system impacts of this expansion.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1355