TITLE: Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide applicants with certain information regarding eligibility for public health programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.9199 to read as follows: Sec. 51.9199. REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (b) An institution of higher education shall distribute to each applicant for admission as an entering freshman or undergraduate transfer student information designed to educate and inform the applicant about eligibility requirements for public health benefits coverage, including coverage under Medicaid and the child health plan program. The information must: (1) clearly explain the eligibility requirements for the applicable public health programs; (2) address the most common health care needs of the student population in relation to the public health benefits that may be available to the applicant under the public health programs; (3) be tailored specifically to the student population who may complete the necessary forms independently; and (4) include the enrollment procedures for the public health programs, including a link to the Health and Human Services Commission's Internet website that displays that enrollment information. (c) To support the provision of information under Subsection (b), the Health and Human Services Commission shall develop informational material about the eligibility requirements for public health benefits coverage, including coverage under Medicaid and the child health plan program, that is: (1) up to date; and (2) clear and easy to understand. SECTION 2. Section 51.9199, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with the 2025 fall semester. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.