The bill, S.B. No. 855, amends the Family Code by adding Section 266.0043, which allows certain medical consenters, other than the department, to assume financial responsibility for out-of-network medical care provided to children in foster care. This includes behavioral health services and requires that the medical consenter notify the child's caseworker within ten business days of the care being provided. The bill clarifies that the department will not be liable for these costs and ensures that the foster child's access to Medicaid benefits remains unaffected.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 540.0807 to the Government Code, which prohibits Medicaid managed care organizations from taking adverse actions that would prevent or discourage recipients from accessing healthcare services as outlined in the new Family Code section. It mandates that contracts between Medicaid managed care organizations and the commission include compliance with this provision, while also stating that these organizations will not be held liable for the costs associated with the care provided under the new law. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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