Honorable Richard Peña Raymond, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3292 by Klick (Relating to the temporary continuation of medical assistance for certain individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.), As Introduced
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time because the number of clients who would be eligible for continued medical assistance and the length of time assistance would be continued are unknown.
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to continue to provide medical assistance for up to 90 days to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability after the expiration of their certification for Medicaid eligibility in certain circumstances. HHSC does not have information on the number of individuals who would continue to receive assistance or the length of time assistance would be provided; therefore, the cost to implement the provisions of the bill cannot be determined. In fiscal year 2016, the average monthly cost to provide services to individuals who could continue to receive assistance under the provisions of the bill ranged from $364.64 in STAR+PLUS to $19,341.59 in a State Supported Living Center. The overall average monthly cost across clients in 1915(c) waivers, STAR+PLUS, and intermediate care facilities in fiscal year 2016 was $3,435.44. Based on this average monthly cost, providing services to 100 clients each month would have a cost of $4.1 million. The entire cost would need to be funded with General Revenue Funds because the clients would have lost eligibility under Medicaid resulting in a loss of federal matching funds. There would be additional costs associated with system modifications and other administrative functions necessary to implement the provisions of the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.