Bill > HB2627

This bill establishes the Live Well Texas program, a comprehensive healthcare coverage initiative designed to provide health benefits to uninsured adults in Texas. The program creates two health benefit plans: a basic plan for individuals with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, and a plus plan for those with incomes above that threshold. Key provisions include mandatory POWER (Personal Wellness and Responsibility) accounts, which participants must contribute to and can use to pay healthcare costs, and a rewards program that allows participants to earn credits for engaging in healthy behaviors. The program aims to provide essential health benefits, promote personal responsibility, and help individuals transition from public assistance to stable employment. Participants must be Texas residents aged 19-64 who are not eligible for Medicaid, and the program will seek federal funding through a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver. The bill also includes an employment initiative called the Gateway to Work program, which will refer unemployed participants to job training and search programs. Additionally, for participants who become ineligible for the program, the bill provides a bridge account with $1,000 to help them transition to private health coverage. The program is designed to terminate if federal funding drops below 90% and is not intended to create an entitlement to healthcare coverage.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2627