17th Edition
Texas Laws
Relating to Mental Health
Reflecting changes in law passed by the
81st Legislature, Regular Session – 2009*
Throughout this book will be various statutory references to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Texas Department of Health. On September 1, 2004 these three agencies were combined to form the Department of State Health Services. Any reference in statue to the legacy agencies should be read to mean the Department of State Health Services.
Disclaimer – The information contained in this book does not constitute the provision of legal advice. While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book, the Department of State Health Services, its officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for any errors in content or formatting that may be contained herein.
*Most changes in law reflected in this book become effective on 9/1/09.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Individuals with Special Needs and Health Reform: Adequacy of Health Insurance Coverage
From David Evans, Executive Director
Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center:
Last week the Kaiser Family Foundation released an issue brief examining how individuals with complex health care needs might fare in a reformed health system. The report, Individuals with Special Needs and Health Reform: Adequacy of Health Insurance Coverage , analyzed healthcare coverage for three individuals and cost sharing requirements to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option plan offered to Members of Congress and federal workers under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (cited as benchmark under a reformed health care system), and also takes into consideration Medicaid coverage.
What this study shows is that coverage for persons with complex health needs may be significant and broad - still containing cost provisions that are beyond the financial reach of middle class workers. They offer examples of disabilities that require treatments which could range up to $12,000 annually and out of pocket expenses from $21,000 to $32,000 for long-term care costs under such plans.
This study adds an important dimension to policy issues for people who would have health insurance coverage extended to include them - what benefits does that coverage include? The question cannot be answered accurately without careful examination of cost sharing and out of pocket expenses. To view and download the report, go to: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/7967.pdf .
Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center:
Last week the Kaiser Family Foundation released an issue brief examining how individuals with complex health care needs might fare in a reformed health system. The report, Individuals with Special Needs and Health Reform: Adequacy of Health Insurance Coverage , analyzed healthcare coverage for three individuals and cost sharing requirements to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option plan offered to Members of Congress and federal workers under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (cited as benchmark under a reformed health care system), and also takes into consideration Medicaid coverage.
What this study shows is that coverage for persons with complex health needs may be significant and broad - still containing cost provisions that are beyond the financial reach of middle class workers. They offer examples of disabilities that require treatments which could range up to $12,000 annually and out of pocket expenses from $21,000 to $32,000 for long-term care costs under such plans.
This study adds an important dimension to policy issues for people who would have health insurance coverage extended to include them - what benefits does that coverage include? The question cannot be answered accurately without careful examination of cost sharing and out of pocket expenses. To view and download the report, go to: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/7967.pdf .
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