H.B. No. 316 proposes an expansion of Medicaid eligibility in Texas, aligning with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill introduces a new Subchapter H to Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code, which mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission provide medical assistance to all individuals who apply and qualify for federal matching funds under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, the executive commissioner is tasked with adopting rules to facilitate this expanded eligibility. An annual report is also required to assess the impact of this expansion on uninsured individuals, state and local healthcare costs, and charity care expenses.

The provisions of this bill will only apply to initial determinations or recertifications of eligibility made on or after January 1, 2026. The implementation of the bill is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature in 2025, which would require the state to expand Medicaid eligibility as outlined. If the amendment is not approved by voters, the bill will have no effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()