TX
Texas Senate Bill SB796

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB796

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
3/30/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/6/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the provision and evaluation of comprehensive substance abuse treatment under the state Medicaid program.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend the existing regulations under Chapter 531 of the Government Code, specifically adding provisions to monitor and assess the cost implications of comprehensive substance abuse treatment. By implementing specific outcome measures that will track healthcare costs and treatment efficacy over three consecutive years, the bill aims to provide a clearer picture of the impact of substance abuse treatment on Medicaid spending and recipient health. Such assessments will ensure that resource allocation can be optimized based on empirical evidence.

Summary

SB796 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the comprehensive substance abuse treatment available to individuals enrolled in the state Medicaid program. The bill mandates the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct extensive studies to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of providing such treatment to Medicaid recipients who are aged 21 and above. The key objective is to determine whether the provision of this treatment could lead to improved health outcomes and potentially lower associated healthcare costs over time.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SB796 reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of addressing substance abuse within the Medicaid population. By establishing a rigorous evaluation framework, the bill not only aims to enhance the health of Texas residents suffering from substance abuse disorders but also seeks to ensure that state funds are used efficiently. The outcome of this legislative initiative could set a precedent for how comprehensive health services are managed within state-financed programs in the future.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB796 concern the potential fiscal impact on the state's Medicaid budget. Critics may argue that even if the treatment demonstrates effective outcomes, the upfront costs might place a significant strain on state resources, particularly if it leads to an increase in overall Medicaid spending. Conversely, proponents highlight that investing in comprehensive treatment could ultimately decrease long-term costs associated with untreated substance abuse, including hospitalizations and emergency services.

Latest SB796 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB1708

Identical Relating to the provision and evaluation of comprehensive substance abuse treatment under the state Medicaid program.

Similar Bills

TX HB1708

Relating to the provision and evaluation of comprehensive substance abuse treatment under the state Medicaid program.

NJ S668

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NJ A2868

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NJ SCR85

Requests President and Congress take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

NJ SCR57

Requests President and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

NJ S1895

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NJ A3792

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

PA HB561

In Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.