colleges tell incoming students about Medicaid eligibility

The text as introduced · 344 words

89R2860 MM-D

By: Lalani
H.B. No. 181

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher

education provide applicants with certain information regarding

eligibility for public health programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 51.9199 to read as follows:

Sec. 51.9199. REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY. (a) In this section, "institution of higher

education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.

(b) An institution of higher education shall distribute to

each applicant for admission as an entering freshman or

undergraduate transfer student information designed to educate and

inform the applicant about eligibility requirements for public

health benefits coverage, including coverage under Medicaid and the

child health plan program. The information must:

(1) clearly explain the eligibility requirements for

the applicable public health programs;

(2) address the most common health care needs of the

student population in relation to the public health benefits that

may be available to the applicant under the public health programs;

(3) be tailored specifically to the student population

who may complete the necessary forms independently; and

(4) include the enrollment procedures for the public

health programs, including a link to the Health and Human Services

Commission's Internet website that displays that enrollment

information.

(c) To support the provision of information under

Subsection (b), the Health and Human Services Commission shall

develop informational material about the eligibility requirements

for public health benefits coverage, including coverage under

Medicaid and the child health plan program, that is:

(1) up to date; and

(2) clear and easy to understand.

SECTION 2. Section 51.9199, Education Code, as added by

this Act, applies beginning with the 2025 fall semester.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.