Prohibits Medicaid managed care organizations from denying opportunities to behavioral health services providers for enrollment in provider networks (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, HB 409 would amend current Medicaid regulations to facilitate greater participation of qualified behavioral health service providers. This change is intended to address gaps in service availability, potentially leading to improved mental health outcomes for Medicaid recipients. By ensuring that more providers can participate in the managed care system, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for behavioral health services in Louisiana.
Summary
House Bill 409 aims to enhance access for behavioral health services providers by prohibiting Medicaid managed care organizations from denying them the opportunity to enroll in provider networks. The bill specifically states that licensed behavioral health providers, who meet specified qualifications, cannot be excluded from participating in the Medicaid program. This legislation seeks to ensure that necessary behavioral health services are accessible to individuals covered under Medicaid by increasing the pool of available service providers.
Sentiment
The sentiment regarding HB 409 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among advocates for mental health services and healthcare access. Supporters believe the bill represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations. However, some concerns were raised regarding the operational feasibility for Medicaid managed care organizations, particularly about how this change might affect network costs and provider quality. Overall, the sentiment seems to reflect a general agreement on the importance of increasing the accessibility of behavioral health services.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 409 involve the balance between expanding access to services and ensuring quality care within the Medicaid framework. Some stakeholders express concern about the implications of requiring managed care organizations to include all qualified providers, suggesting potential issues with provider oversight and quality assurance. Overall, the discussions highlight the essential debate on resource allocation and the need to safeguard patient care while expanding provider networks.
Provides relative to Medicaid and certain managed health care organizations providing health care services to Medicaid beneficiaries. (1/1/14) (RR1 See Note)
Provides relative to prescription drug benefits of certain managed care organizations participating in the La. Medicaid coordinated care network program (RE1 INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To: Jointly Review Any Research Applied Behavior Analysis For Adults; Develop And Adopt Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary To Ensure That The State Medicaid Program Covers Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder; And Apply For Any Necessary Approvals From The Federal Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State Medicaid Plan To Provide Reimbursements For Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, To Medicaid-eligible Persons Over The Age Of Twenty-one Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.