HBA-CCH H.B. 734 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 734
By: Chavez
Public Health
2/11/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Many senior citizens are prescribed multiple medications, but financial
constraints can force senior citizens to choose between prescription drugs
and other essential items.  House Bill 734 prohibits the Health and Human
Services Commission from limiting prescription drug coverage for elderly
Medicaid recipients to fewer than four drug prescriptions each month. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 734 amends the Government and Human Resources codes to prohibit
the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from limiting Medicaid
recipients who are at least 65 years of age to fewer than four prescription
medications each month.  The bill requires HHSC to provide a complete
analysis of the  medical effect of the denial of Medicaid coverage for more
than four medications on Medicaid recipients who are at least 65 years of
age.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.