For Texas counties managing indigent health care, navigating state assistance programs is crucial. The 5200 Health Care Subsidy Program, while often referred to by different names in official documentation, provides vital financial support to counties that meet specific expenditure thresholds. This guide breaks down the essential steps to access these state assistance funds, ensuring your county can effectively leverage this program.
To initiate the process and remain eligible for state assistance, consistent financial reporting is paramount. Counties must first submit Form 3072, the Monthly Financial Report, to the HHSC County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP). This report is required monthly and must be received by the 10th day of the following month. Crucially, Form 3072 submission is necessary for each of the twelve months preceding any request for state funds. Furthermore, counties are required to submit Form 3086, the End of Year Report, to HHSC CIHCP in Austin by September 30th annually. These reports establish a consistent financial record and are a prerequisite for accessing state subsidies.
Another foundational step involves the county’s General Revenue Tax Levy (GRTL). Counties are mandated to submit their GRTL information to the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts. This submission is a fundamental part of the state’s financial oversight and is essential for determining subsidy eligibility and amounts.
As county healthcare expenditures progress, proactive communication with HHSC CIHCP becomes necessary. Within seven days of projecting that your county will expend 6% of its GRTL on indigent health care, formal notification to HHSC CIHCP via email is required, followed by a written notification. This notification triggers a potential “6% Program Review.” During this review, HHSC may assess the county’s eligibility system and billing practices. If any inadequacies are found, the county is expected to rectify them within five business days. Failure to correct identified issues may lead to a reduction in reimbursable expenditures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate and compliant systems.
The pivotal point for requesting state assistance arrives when a county’s expenditure surpasses 8% of its GRTL. At this stage, counties can formally request state funds to alleviate the financial burden of indigent health care. Prior to the Commissioner’s Court authorizing payment of health care claims that push expenditures beyond the 8% threshold, counties should contact HHSC by phone or email to initiate the state assistance request. HHSC will then issue a State Assistance Request number, which is essential for further documentation. Following this initial contact, counties must complete and submit Form 3088, Request for State Assistance Funds (90 Percent), along with all required supporting documentation. This submission must be made within 30 days of the initial request to HHSC. Form 3088 facilitates the formal claim for state assistance, typically covering 90% of the calculated eligible amount.
In conclusion, accessing the 5200 health care subsidy program, or state assistance funds, involves a series of well-defined steps centered around financial reporting, GRTL submission, and timely communication with HHSC CIHCP. By diligently adhering to these steps, Texas counties can secure crucial state support, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services for their indigent populations. Accurate reporting and proactive engagement are key to successfully navigating this vital program.
