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HJR 11

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, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by John Bucy

Texas constitutional amendment mandating Medicaid expansion to cover low-income adults, potentially extending coverage to hundreds of thousands while requiring 10% state funding match.

Filed
#humanservices--medicalassistance(i0905) #medicaid(s4885) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 11

Legislative bill overview

HJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to include individuals who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently, Texas has not adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion option, which allows states to cover adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This amendment would mandate that the state implement this expansion.

Why is this important

Medicaid expansion would potentially cover hundreds of thousands of uninsured Texans, particularly low-income working adults. This has significant fiscal implications for both state and federal budgets, healthcare provider revenues, and insurance coverage rates. Texas currently ranks among the states with the highest uninsured population rates, making this a substantive policy question about healthcare access and state spending priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • State fiscal burden: While the federal government covers 90% of expansion costs, Texas would bear the remaining 10%, which state budget hawks argue diverts resources from other priorities
  • Government spending philosophy: Ideological differences about whether healthcare expansion should be a state constitutional mandate versus a legislative decision made case-by-case
  • Labor market effects: Debates over whether expanded Medicaid affects workforce participation and incentives for employment
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about administrative capacity and existing program sustainability before expansion

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

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