Bill > HB3305

This bill creates a county health care provider participation program in specific Texas counties that are not served by a hospital district, allowing commissioners courts to establish a mandatory payment system for nonpublic hospitals. Under the program, counties meeting certain population criteria can collect up to 6% of an institutional health care provider's net patient revenue to fund intergovernmental transfers for Medicaid supplemental payment programs. The mandatory payments can only be used to support specific Medicaid payments to nonpublic hospitals, cover administrative expenses (up to $150,000), and provide refunds under certain circumstances. Providers cannot pass these mandatory payments on to patients as surcharges, and the program includes provisions ensuring transparency through public hearings and reporting requirements. The program has a sunset provision, expiring on December 31, 2030, and applies only to counties that meet specific population and geographic requirements, such as those with populations of 900,000 or more that border counties with two million or more residents. The bill also stipulates that if the program becomes ineligible for federal matching funds, counties can adjust their procedures to comply with federal regulations, and any remaining funds must be proportionally returned to providers when the program expires.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3305