Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB469

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

Impact

If enacted, SB469 is expected to significantly impact Texas's Medicaid system by increasing the availability of mental health care providers. By enabling associate-level professionals to provide reimbursable services, it addresses the shortage of licensed professionals available to serve the Medicaid population. This could lead to shorter wait times for these services and foster better mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid for mental health support.

Summary

SB469 proposes to enhance the provision of counseling services by expanding the types of licensed professionals who can provide these services under the Texas Medicaid program. The bill specifically allows for licensed associate professionals, such as marriage and family therapist associates and licensed master social worker associates, to be selected by Medicaid recipients to provide health care services. This amendment aims to improve access to mental health services, acknowledging the need for more providers to serve the growing population of individuals seeking assistance under Medicaid.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB469 may arise from the specifics of the reimbursement structure outlined in the bill. It establishes that reimbursement for these associate providers will be at a rate of 50 percent of what licensed psychiatrists or psychologists receive for similar services. Critics may argue that this financial rate could inadequately compensate associate professionals, potentially leading to obstacles in attracting qualified candidates to participate in the Medicaid service provision. Moreover, questions about the quality of care provided by less experienced practitioners compared to fully licensed professionals may also be raised, highlighting potential skepticism regarding patient safety and service efficacy.

Companion Bills

TX HB1716

Identical Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2088

Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

TX HB1716

Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

TX HB5030

Relating to the provision of certain mental and behavioral health services under Medicaid, Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for those services, and the regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities; requiring an occupational license.

TX S3802

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain primary and mental health care services match reimbursement rates under Medicare.

TX A4265

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain primary and mental health care services match reimbursement rates under Medicare.

TX SB176

Relating to the provision of on-campus mental health services by a school district and reimbursement under Medicaid for certain services provided to eligible students.

TX SB2628

Relating to the provision and evaluation of Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided to certain Medicaid recipients.

TX HB1378

Medicaid; seek waiver for reimbursement for services to certain prison inmates.

TX HB5152

Relating to Medicaid reimbursement for services provided to certain recipients under a nurse home visiting program.

TX S0793

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.