HB 12 by Rose: Medicaid Expansion for Post-Partum Women

HB 12 seeks to require that the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) continue Medicaid coverage to women who were enrolled during pregnancy for at least 12 months, post-partum. HB 12 also requires that the Executive Commissioner of HHSC seek a state Medicaid plan amendment. Though it is claimed that the extension of these services would address maternal death cases and help prevent pregnancy-related deaths, the fiscal note for HB 12 estimates it will cost nearly $147 million through the next biennium and between $70 to $80 million every year thereafter, while expanding caseload. Instead of expanding Medicaid services, the Texas Legislature should be focused on creating an environment where Texans are not driven to these social safety nets, to begin with, and once on them, pathways off of them. For these reasons, TFR opposes HB 12.