The bill, H.B. No. 181, mandates that public institutions of higher education in Texas provide prospective students with essential information regarding eligibility for public health programs, specifically Medicaid and the child health plan program. It introduces a new section, 51.9199, to the Education Code, which requires institutions to distribute tailored information to applicants for admission as entering freshmen or undergraduate transfer students. This information must clearly outline eligibility requirements, address common health care needs of the student population, be designed for independent completion of necessary forms, and include enrollment procedures along with a link to the Health and Human Services Commission's website for further details.

Additionally, the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with developing up-to-date and easily understandable informational materials about public health benefits coverage eligibility. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the fall semester of 2025, and it will become law immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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