Texas state Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin, prefiled two bills Nov. 9 for the 2027 legislative session that focus on expanding Medicaid in the state.
HB 101 and HB 102 would extend medical assistance to all applicants for whom federal matching funds are available under the ACA. HB 101 would go into effect Jan. 1, 2028, whereas HB 102 would go into effect Sept. 1, 2027.
The bills also would require the state’s Health and Human Services Commission to annually report on the expansion’s effects.
HB 101 hinges on voter approval of a constitutional amendment; HB 102 does not. HB 101 also acts as a companion to SB 31, filed by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. State Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas, filed a duplicate, as well.
Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin, both Democrats, are also pushing for Medicaid expansion, The Texas Tribune reported Nov. 9. Texas is among 10 states that have not fully expanded Medicaid.
While some states have moved forward with Medicaid expansion through an executive order, the Tribune said the Texas governor’s power is more limited, and that legislative approval is needed to change Medicaid eligibility. There is more ambiguity surrounding whether the governor can unilaterally instruct state officials to file an expansion plan with CMS, the report said.
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