The bill, S.B. No. 225, aims to enhance the process of determining eligibility and enrolling individuals in Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Program by introducing an express lane option. It amends Section 62.1011 of the Health and Safety Code to allow the commission to verify income unless the applicant's reported household income exceeds the established eligibility level. Additionally, it adds Section 62.1012, which defines "express lane agency" and outlines the use of information from these agencies to determine a child's eligibility for the Child Health Plan, including automatic enrollment for eligible children.

Furthermore, the bill amends Sections 32.026(e) and (g) of the Human Resources Code to allow for recertification reviews via telephone or mail and to permit the use of third-party information for verifying eligibility. It also introduces Section 32.026102, which establishes a similar express lane option for medical assistance eligibility, allowing for automatic enrollment of individuals deemed eligible. The bill stipulates that if a federal waiver is required for implementation, the state agency may delay the provision's implementation until the waiver is granted. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 62.1011, Human Resources Code 32.026 (Human Resources Code 32, Health and Safety Code 62)