Texas Senate Bill SB909

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB909 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing healthcare services, particularly in the mental health sector. By allowing additional licensed professionals to provide counseling services, the bill seeks to address the shortage of mental health providers within the Medicaid system. It establishes a reimbursement framework that provides parity in payment rates for traditional providers like licensed psychiatrists and psychologists, ensuring that mental health counseling is appropriately valued in the medical assistance program.

Summary

SB909 aims to enhance the provision of counseling services under Medicaid in Texas by expanding the types of licensed professionals who can provide these services. The bill amends the Human Resources Code to allow recipients of medical assistance to select from a broader range of licensed counselors, including licensed marriage and family therapist associates and licensed master social workers. This change is intended to improve access to mental health services for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, ensuring they can choose providers who meet their specific needs.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the reimbursement rates established in the bill. While the legislation sets reimbursement rates equal to those of psychiatrists for licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers, other mental health advocates may argue for equitable compensation for all mental health service providers. This may arise from concerns that some essential counselors still do not receive adequate reimbursement, potentially leading to disparities in service availability and quality in certain regions.