Bill > SB2388

This bill establishes a new Managed Care Client Choice Program for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that aims to provide more flexibility and choice for clients when selecting healthcare plans. The bill creates a comprehensive framework for how the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will contract with managed care organizations, including requiring annual requests for applications from potential healthcare providers in each service region. Key provisions include mandating that HHSC ensure clients have multiple managed care organization options, even in rural areas, and establishing detailed criteria for evaluating and certifying these organizations. The bill introduces new performance and quality standards that managed care organizations must meet, including assessments of past performance, quality of care, cost-efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Organizations will be subject to annual performance reviews, with contract terms potentially extending up to six years based on their performance. The legislation also introduces automatic enrollment processes for eligible Medicaid and CHIP participants, allowing them to choose their preferred healthcare plan and change plans as permitted by federal law. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing sections of law related to managed care contracts and sets a phased implementation timeline, with most new contracts anticipated to start between 2027 and 2030, depending on the specific program.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2388