TITLE: Relating to a consolidated eligibility screening process for benefits under certain assistance programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to a consolidated eligibility screening process for benefits under certain assistance programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a consolidated eligibility screening process for benefits under certain assistance programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.024183 to read as follows: Sec. 531.024183. CONSOLIDATED SCREENING FOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. (a) The executive commissioner shall ensure that commission employees who conduct eligibility screenings for assistance programs use a consolidated eligibility screening procedure for an individual who personally appears at a commission office to apply for benefits on behalf of the individual or the individual's child. The consolidated screening must allow for an eligibility screening for each of the following programs: (1) the child health plan program; (2) the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code; (3) Medicaid; and (4) the supplemental nutrition assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code. (b) The procedure must ensure that an individual who is identified through the screening as eligible for an assistance program is assisted in applying for and enrolling in the program for which the individual or the individual's child is eligible. SECTION 2. Section 62.104(a), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The executive commissioner shall develop eligibility screening and enrollment procedures for children that comply with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. Section 1397bb, as amended, Section 531.024183, Government Code, and any other applicable law or regulations. The procedures shall ensure that Medicaid-eligible children are identified and referred to the Medicaid program. 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.