Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB289

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a "Texas solution" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace; requiring a fee.

Impact

Should SB289 be enacted, it would significantly modify existing state Medicaid laws, introducing a risk-based Medicaid managed care model. This change aims to simplify eligibility requirements for acute care services while providing subsidies to help low-income individuals acquire private health insurance. Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of a tailored support system for long-term services and care, fostering a consumer-directed approach to healthcare that prioritizes flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Summary

SB289, titled 'Texas Solution to Medicaid Reform', seeks to address Medicaid program challenges by introducing an alternative program aimed at providing health benefit plan coverage for low-income individuals through a private marketplace. The proposed legislation comprises a comprehensive approach that permits the establishment of a block grant funding system, contingent upon federal approval, allowing Texas to customize its Medicaid program while aiming for cost neutrality through strategic funding mechanisms.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB289 hinges on its implications for healthcare accessibility and safety nets. Supporters assert that the bill offers an innovative way to deliver Medicaid services, promoting efficiency and consumer choice. However, critics express concern over the potential risks of privatizing essential health services and the lack of guaranteed entitlements within the framework, fearing increased barriers to access for the most vulnerable populations. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future structure of health care delivery to low-income Texans.

Companion Bills

TX HB891

Identical Relating to a "Texas solution" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace; requiring a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB891

Relating to a "Texas solution" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace; requiring a fee.

TX HB1903

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX HB895

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX HB2627

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX HB5244

Relating to the development and implementation of the Texas Plan demonstration program to fund the purchase by and provision to certain eligible individuals of health care services.

TX HB5311

Relating to establishing the Texas Care Plan Medicaid buy-in program to provide health benefit plan coverage to certain persons in this state.

TX SB232

Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.

TX S2255

Enacts the RI individual market affordability act of 2026 to establish a program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in individual health insurance coverage through the RI health benefits exchange.

TX H7466

Enacts the RI individual market affordability act of 2026 to establish a program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in individual health insurance coverage through the RI health benefits exchange.

TX HB2412

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain obesity medications.

Similar Bills

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.

FL S1016

Medical Assistance Eligibility for Working Persons with Disabilities

MS HB123

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB374

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB252

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB509

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB409

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB132

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.