The bill, S.B. No. 469, aims to enhance the provision of counseling services under the Medicaid program in Texas by expanding the types of licensed professionals that recipients can select for their healthcare services. Specifically, it amends Section 32.027 of the Human Resources Code to allow recipients to choose licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers, and licensed professional counselor associates, in addition to licensed psychologists and licensed clinical social workers. This change is intended to ensure that individuals in the process of obtaining their full licenses can still provide necessary services, thereby increasing access to mental health care.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 32.079, which mandates reimbursement for certain counseling services provided by these newly included professionals. The reimbursement rate is set at 50% of what is established for licensed psychiatrists or psychologists for similar services, with a cap of 3,000 hours of reimbursement or the number of hours required for the provider to qualify for their license. This provision aims to support the financial viability of these professionals while ensuring that Medicaid recipients have access to a broader range of mental health services. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 32.027, Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503.002 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503, Human Resources Code 32)