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HJR 100

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to expand eligibility for Medicaid to certain individuals under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bryant and 3 co-sponsors

Constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility, extending healthcare coverage to approximately 600,000 currently uninsured low-income adults.

Referred to Appropriations
#humanservices--medicalassistance(i0905) #medicaid(s4885) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 100

Legislative bill overview

HJR 100 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to individuals covered under the Affordable Care Act's expansion provisions. Currently, Texas has not adopted the optional Medicaid expansion, leaving a coverage gap for adults earning between 100-138% of the federal poverty line. This amendment would mandate the state legislature to extend coverage to these individuals.

Why is this important

Texas has the second-highest uninsured population in the nation, with roughly 3.7 million uninsured residents. Medicaid expansion would extend healthcare coverage to an estimated 600,000+ additional Texans, potentially reducing emergency room usage, improving chronic disease management, and generating federal matching funds (estimated 90% federal/10% state cost-share). However, it represents a significant budgetary commitment and shifts healthcare policy decisions from legislative discretion to constitutional mandate.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: While federally subsidized, state costs would still represent hundreds of millions annually and could compete with other budget priorities during economic downturns
  • Constitutional vs. legislative authority: Creating a binding constitutional mandate removes future legislative flexibility to adjust the program if circumstances change
  • Ideological divide: Conservative lawmakers may oppose expanding government programs and entitlements, while supporters cite healthcare access and economic benefits from federal matching funds

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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