The bill, H.B. No. 2924, proposes to amend the Human Resources Code by adding a new section, 32.0318, which focuses on Medicaid reimbursement for specific costs incurred by parents, guardians, or caretakers of chronically ill children during their hospital care. The bill defines key terms such as "hospital," "Medicaid managed care organization," and "recipient," and outlines the eligibility criteria for reimbursement. To qualify, the child must be under 18 years old, diagnosed with a chronic illness designated by the executive commissioner, and receiving hospital care for that illness. The bill mandates that reimbursement be provided for costs related to food and parking incurred during the child's hospitalization.

Additionally, the executive commissioner is granted the authority to require Medicaid managed care organizations to provide reimbursement for eligible recipients enrolled in their plans. The commissioner is also tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement this section, including designating chronic illnesses for reimbursement purposes and establishing reasonable limits on reimbursement amounts. The bill stipulates that if a state agency requires a federal waiver or authorization for implementation, it may delay the provision's implementation until such approval is obtained. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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