By: Shofner H.B. No. 5583
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of doula services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 32.02481 to read as follows:
Sec. 32.02481. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR DOULA
SERVICES. (a) In this section:
(1) "Doula" means a nonmedical birthing professional
who provides doula services.
(2) "Doula services" means nonmedical childbirth
education, coaching, and support services, including emotional and
physical support provided during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and
the postpartum period, or provided intermittently during pregnancy
and the postpartum period.
(b) In addition to reimbursement a doula may receive under
Section 32.024(qq) for case management services, the commission
shall ensure that medical assistance reimbursement is provided for
doula services provided by a doula to a medical assistance
recipient.
SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective
date of this Act but not later than October 1, 2026, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall seek
from the appropriate federal agency an amendment to the state
Medicaid plan to implement Section 32.02481, Human Resources Code,
as added by this Act.
(b) In developing the amendment to the state Medicaid plan
described by Subsection (a) of this section, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
consult with individuals who represent interested stakeholders,
including medical assistance recipients, doulas, physicians,
nurses, and health care facilities in the state.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section, if
before implementing any provision of this Act the Health and Human
Services Commission or other state agency determines that a waiver
from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that
provision, the agency shall request the waiver and may delay
implementing that provision until the waiver is granted.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.