Texas Senate Approves Bill Expanding Eligibility Requirements for Women's Health Services, Including Family Planning

The Texas Senate on Wednesday approved 20-9 a bill... (SB 747) that would expand eligibility for women's health services through a new Medicaid waiver program, allowing beneficiaries to access family planning services, the Houston Chronicle reports (Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 4/6). The measure, sponsored by state Sen. John Carona (R), would require the state Health and Human Services Commission to create a Medicaid waiver program that expands eligibility to women ages 18 and older whose family incomes are at or below 185% of the poverty level. Currently, Medicaid beneficiaries are not eligible for preventive health care and family planning services if their incomes are at or above 17% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,300 for a family of four, according to Carona. Services covered under the plan would include regular screenings for cervical and breast cancers, sexually transmitted diseases, hypertension, cholesterol and tuberculosis. Under the measure, women also would have access to contraception. If eligibility for the program were expanded, the state would receive $9 from the federal government for every $1 in state funds spent on the program. According to a state Legislative Budget Board estimate, the state would save about $135 million in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Carona said that 21 states already have similar measures (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 3/24).

Amendment
Before passing the measure, the Senate approved 20-10 an amendment that would prohibit the state from contracting with groups that perform or "promote" elective abortions, the Austin American-Statesman reports (Martinez, Austin American-Statesman, 4/7). In addition, the amendment -- sponsored by state Sen. Bob Deuell (R) -- requires that facilities receiving money through the program cannot counsel women about or distribute emergency contraception, which can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse (Stutz, Dallas Morning News, 4/6). Supporters of the amendment said state and federal money should not be used to support abortion providers and that some people view EC as abortion. However, opponents said the amendment could impact other family planning services, limit the ability of some women to access those services and have negative effects on care for rape survivors (Gott, AP/Plainview Daily Herald, 4/6).


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