Texas House Bill HB3396

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to provision of behavioral health services under Medicaid using audio-only technology and to reimbursement for those services.

Impact

By integrating audio-only technology into the Medicaid framework, HB3396 is expected to positively impact healthcare access for individuals with behavioral health needs. This specifically addresses barriers that some patients encounter with traditional telehealth formats, ensuring that a broader range of patients can receive necessary services without the requirement for video capabilities. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that these audio-only services must be reimbursed at rates equivalent to in-person service reimbursements, thereby maintaining financial equity for providers.

Summary

House Bill 3396 aims to enhance the provision of behavioral health services under Medicaid by allowing the use of audio-only technology for telehealth services. This bill mandates that Medicaid recipients have the option to receive behavioral health services via audio-only formats, expanding access to care, particularly for those who may not have the ability to engage in video telehealth interactions. The bill emphasizes that this method should be clinically appropriate and determined by the behavioral health service provider.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve access to mental health care, notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of audio-only technology in clinical settings. Questions about the effectiveness of audio-only consultations compared to in-person or video services may lead to debates among healthcare providers. Additionally, there may be discussions on the necessity of federal waivers to implement certain provisions of the bill, potentially delaying its anticipated benefits.