5 Democrat priorities to watch in Texas: Marijuana push, red flag laws and Medicaid expansion
2. Expansion of Medicaid eligibility
Democrats also revived efforts to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. House Bills 101 and 102, filed by state Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin, would extend coverage to low-income adults eligible for federal matching funds, potentially covering more than 1 million Texans.
HB 101 was the first bill filed in the House for the session. In all, 13 opening-day measures would expand Medicaid, including proposed constitutional amendments in each chamber that would require voter approval, such as Senate Joint Resolution 6 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.
Texas has the nation’s highest uninsured rate and is one of 10 states that have not adopted Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion.
