Bill > SB1443

This bill establishes a new chapter in the Texas Health and Safety Code specifically governing health care provider participation districts created by certain local governments, with a focus on enabling these districts to administer health care provider participation programs. The bill applies only to specific local governments defined by precise population and geographical criteria, and allows these districts to collect mandatory payments from non-public hospitals to fund Medicaid supplemental payment programs. Key provisions include creating a governance structure with a board of directors appointed by participating local governments, establishing rules for board membership and operations, and defining how mandatory payments can be collected and used. The payments are limited to a maximum of 6% of a hospital's net patient revenue and cannot be passed on to patients as a surcharge. The funds collected can only be used for specific purposes, such as providing the non-federal share of Medicaid payments, covering administrative expenses (capped at $150,000), and making intergovernmental transfers. The bill also includes provisions for reporting to the Health and Human Services Commission, dissolving the district, and managing the district's financial assets, with a strict prohibition on using these funds to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1443