The bill, H.B. No. 1782, amends Section 32.024(y) of the Human Resources Code to enhance eligibility criteria for Medicaid assistance specifically for individuals needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer. The new provisions stipulate that individuals must have a family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for assistance under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000. Additionally, the bill mandates that medical assistance be provided for a continuous period during which treatment is required, and it directs the executive commissioner to simplify the provider enrollment process and adopt rules for presumptive eligibility certification. Notably, the bill also states that a personal interview will not be required for eligibility determination, to the extent permitted by federal law.

The bill specifies that the amended eligibility criteria will apply only to initial determinations or recertifications made after the implementation date, regardless of when the application was submitted. Furthermore, it includes a provision allowing state agencies to delay implementation of any part of the Act until necessary federal waivers or authorizations are obtained. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 32.024 (Human Resources Code 32)