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| SPONSOR: | Roberts | DATE TYPED: | 02/23/01 | HB | 686 | ||
| SHORT TITLE: | Eligibility Screening & Tracking System | SB | |||||
| ANALYST: | Dunbar | ||||||
| Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
| FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
| $ 320.0 | Non-Recurring | General Fund | |||
| $ 865.0 | Non-Recurring | Medicaid | |||
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Human Services Department (HSD)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
HB 686 appropriates $320.0 from the state general fund to the Human Services Department (HSD) for expenditure in fiscal year 2002 to contract for professional services that would expand the existing eligibility screening and patient tracking system by developing an integrated data program to link uninsured patients to state or federally sponsored health programs.
Significant Issues
Although HSD does not state if the funds appropriated are sufficient to develop and integrated data program, the amount together with the federal match(see below) appears to be more than adequate.
The bill provides no appropriation for maintenance of such a system.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
HB 686 appropriates $320.0 non-recurring from the state general fund to the Human Services Department (HSD) for expenditure in fiscal year 2002. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.
HSD reports that if the department developed an integrated data program to link patients to the Medicaid program, federal financial participation would be a possibility. The federal match from Title XIX would be $865.0.
If federal match is forthcoming, the general fund amount may be reduced.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
HSD states that a contract manager within HSD would be necessary to oversee the system. The bill provides no appropriation for maintenance of such a system.
CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP
HSD notes that the "existing eligibility screening and patient tracking system" specified in HB 686 does not currently exist within HSD. The department suggests amending the bill to reflect the departments concern.
BD/ar