Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES
CHIP
ERVICES/Medicaid /Medicaid and
Senate Sponsor: Senator Moncrief
77 th Texas Legislature
Currently, low-income families are often unable to obtain affordable, quality health care. Many parents of
children who benefit from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid are not eligible for
the state-sponsored health insurance themselves. Between 1996 and 1998, an average of more than three
million Texans between 18 and 64 years of age were uninsured. Low-income children are more likely to be
enrolled in state health insurance programs when coverage is offered to the entire family, rather than to
children alone.
Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study to determine the
feasibility of a buy-in option to allow families without access to health benefits coverage to purchase health
benefits coverage for all family members under CHIP.
CHIP Pilot Program for Children of Migrant or Seasonal Workers - H.B. 1537
by Representative Coleman, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Moncrief
The Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., examined methods for obtaining portability of
Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for migrant children. Based on
preliminary research, it is believed that a migrant care network model can be developed to improve health
coverage access and continuity of care and to promote outreach and education for migrant children.
Requires the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of
contracting with existing networks of health care providers located in Texas and in other states to establish
a migrant care network.
Reporting and Certification of Medicaid Managed Care Encounter Data - H.B. 1591
by Representative Kitchen
Senate Sponsor: Senator Madla
Managed care organizations (organizations) are asked to submit information to the Texas Department of
Health (TDH) about the encounters or services delivered under their contracts. Encounter data include
information regarding the patient's medical history, diagnosis, and treatment and are used to measure
utilization, immunization rates, health care quality, and outcomes and to assess contract performance, the
value of services to patients, and the appropriate use of state funds. Furthermore, states use encounter
data to assess managed care fraud and abuse. If health care providers do not report complete and
accurate encounter data to the organization, the state cannot effectively evaluate Medicaid managed care.
Prohibits state agencies operating part of the state Medicaid managed care program from basing or
deriving the premium rates paid to managed care organizations from encounter data, or incorporating in the
determination an analysis of encounter data, unless certain encounter data are certified.
Senate Research Center 147