Bill > HB3981

This bill establishes the Case Assistance Affiliate Program in Texas, which allows managed care organizations and dental maintenance organizations to provide additional support services to Medicaid recipients and Child Health Plan Program enrollees. The program authorizes case assistance affiliates to help clients with application and renewal assistance for Medicaid and other public benefits programs, such as financial and nutritional assistance. Case assistants can provide support through in-person or virtual methods and can submit benefit applications on behalf of clients with their electronic signature. The bill specifically prohibits case assistants from counseling clients on managed care plan selection or helping them complete plan selection forms. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will develop the program, including creating a training and certification process for program managers and case assistants, establishing participation requirements, and adopting rules to protect client confidentiality. The program is designed to help vulnerable populations navigate complex benefit systems more effectively by providing personalized assistance. The bill will take effect either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or on September 1, 2025, and allows for federal waiver requests if needed for implementation.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3981