Bill > HB4273

This bill strengthens fraud prevention and eligibility verification for Medicaid benefits in Texas through several key provisions. The legislation prohibits the state commission from waiving mandatory electronic data matching to verify recipients' income eligibility, and requires monthly electronic data matches with the Texas Lottery Commission to identify lottery winnings among Medicaid and nutrition assistance recipients. The bill mandates quarterly checks of voter registration cancellations to determine potential changes in Medicaid eligibility and restricts the acceptance of self-attested eligibility criteria for medical assistance. Recipients can no longer simply declare their income, residency, citizenship, age, or household composition without additional verification, with the commission required to use electronic data matching before requesting documentation from individuals. The bill also expands the definition of unlawful acts related to healthcare programs, adding more specific scenarios of fraud and misrepresentation, such as knowingly making false statements, concealing information, or improperly receiving benefits. These measures aim to reduce fraud, ensure accurate benefit distribution, and maintain the integrity of Medicaid and related assistance programs in Texas, with the new regulations set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4273