Texas Governor Signs Medicaid Simplification Bill

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on June 11 signed a bill (SB 43) designed to simplify the state's Medicaid application process for the 600,000 uninsured children who currently are eligible for but not enrolled in the program, the Austin American-Statesman reports. The new law, set to take effect on Jan. 1, eliminates face-to-face interviews and reduces paperwork. In addition, instead of the current month-to-month income evaluation, children will be guaranteed coverage for six months in their first year of program enrollment and for 12 months starting in their second. Easing the application process is expected to cost the state $119 million in fiscal year 2002-03 (Elizondo, Austin American-Statesman, 6/13).