The bill, H.B. No. 1782, amends Section 32.024(y) of the Human Resources Code to enhance eligibility for Medicaid assistance for individuals needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer. The new provisions specify that individuals must be eligible under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 and have a family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill mandates that medical assistance be provided for a continuous period during which treatment is required. It also directs the executive commissioner to simplify the provider enrollment process and adopt rules for certifying presumptive eligibility without requiring a personal interview, to the extent allowed by federal law.

The bill stipulates 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 or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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