TITLE: Relating to participation by political subdivisions in federal healthcare programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to participation by political subdivisions in federal healthcare programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to participation by political subdivisions in federal healthcare programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 32.021, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (t) to read as follows: (t) If the state does not authorize the expansion of Medicaid as provided under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act then local hospital districts, counties and other units of local government created under state law may apply directly to the federal government to expand Medicaid contingent on their ability to provide local tax funds for the state share of the match. (t-1) These entities should be allowed to affiliate with other licensed providers in the state (e.g., private hospitals, mental health authorities, physicians, etc.) to provide services authorized under the Medicaid program. (t-2) The department should promulgate rules defining the process by which these entities can apply for the expansion. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.