The bill, titled "Veterans Health Care Coverage Program," aims to establish a program to assist eligible veterans in obtaining health care coverage. 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, meaning that financial assistance is not guaranteed for all eligible individuals.

Additionally, the bill outlines the 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 implement a sliding scale subsidy system to help participants afford health benefit coverage and will also provide additional cost-sharing subsidies for various health care expenses. The bill mandates that the commission adopt necessary rules and procedures to ensure effective program administration and outreach to veterans. The implementation of the program is contingent upon the approval of the federal waiver.

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