Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2946

Filed

2/18/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the provision of nutrition support services to Medicaid recipients in lieu of other state Medicaid plan services and a report on the health outcomes of providing those services.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 2946 are set to enhance the framework within which nutrition support is delivered in Texas. Effective from September 1, 2025, this legislation mandates that Medicaid managed care organizations must consider certain nutrition support services as viable alternatives to traditional Medicaid services. This shift could potentially lead to better health outcomes for recipients by addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthier dietary practices, especially among populations with chronic health issues that can be mitigated through improved nutrition.

Summary

House Bill 2946 proposes amendments to the Government Code related to the provision of nutrition support services for Medicaid recipients. The bill allows Medicaid managed care organizations to provide certain nutrition support services as an alternative to the usual services specified in the state Medicaid plan. It focuses on improving access to nutritious food among eligible individuals, particularly those at risk of diet-related chronic diseases. The legislation specifies that community-based organizations can provide these nutrition services, which may include medically tailored meals and food prescriptions under certain conditions.

Contention

While HB 2946 is aimed at improving health outcomes through enhanced nutrition support, there may be points of contention regarding the integration of these services within the existing Medicaid framework. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about funding allocations for these new services and how they might affect the quality or availability of traditional Medicaid services. Additionally, the feasibility of implementing a robust tracking system for the health outcomes associated with these nutrition services, as mandated by the bill, could present challenges for Medicaid providers and state health officials.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 540. Medicaid Managed Care Program
- Section: 0272
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB1661

Identical Relating to the provision of nutrition support services to Medicaid recipients in lieu of other state Medicaid plan services and a report on the health outcomes of providing those services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB2983

Relating to a pilot project to provide medical nutrition assistance to certain Medicaid recipients in this state.

TX SB1675

Relating to a pilot project to provide medical nutrition assistance to certain Medicaid recipients in this state.

TX SB2244

Relating to certain evidence-based community support services offered by a Medicaid managed care organization in lieu of other services.

TX HB3725

Relating to Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for doula services and reports on the provision of those services.

TX HB3394

Relating to Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for doula services and reports on the provision of those services.

TX HB2727

Relating to the provision of home telemonitoring services under Medicaid.

TX HB2244

Relating to the establishment of a pilot project to provide supportive housing services through Medicaid to persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

TX HB4111

Relating to access to and the provision of behavioral and mental health care services and trauma-informed care in the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB1575

Relating to improving health outcomes for pregnant women under Medicaid and certain other public benefits programs.