The bill, titled "Veterans Health Care Coverage Program," aims to establish a program to assist eligible veterans in obtaining health care coverage in Texas. It introduces Chapter 550A to the Government Code, which includes definitions for key terms such as "eligible individual," "participant," and "program." The executive commissioner is tasked with seeking a federal waiver to secure funding for the program, which will provide financial assistance for health care coverage, including mental health services, and encourage participants to seek employment. The program is not an entitlement, and its implementation is contingent upon the approval of the federal waiver.
Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility requirements for participation, which include being a Texas resident, a veteran aged 19 to 64, and not qualifying for Medicaid based on the criteria in effect as of December 31, 2024. The commission will also develop application procedures, ensure seamless eligibility screening and enrollment, and provide sliding scale subsidies for health benefit coverage. Furthermore, the bill mandates the provision of additional cost-sharing subsidies and allows for the establishment of health savings accounts for participants. The commission is granted rulemaking authority to implement the program effectively.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()