Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.
Summary
HB 1716 would expand Medicaid recipients’ ability to choose certain counseling and behavioral health providers, including licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and, under the bill’s new provisions, supervised associate-level practitioners working toward full licensure. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Commission to allow these providers to perform covered services when they are legally authorized to do so, including services delivered at federally qualified health centers.
The bill also creates a reimbursement framework for these counseling services under Medicaid. For eligible associate-level providers, HHSC would be required to reimburse at 50 percent of the rate paid to a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist for similar services, with reimbursement capped at 3,000 hours or the number of hours needed to complete licensure requirements, whichever is applicable. The bill is set to take effect September 1, 2025, and includes a provision allowing state agencies to delay implementation if a federal waiver or authorization is needed.
Impact
HB 1716 would amend Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code to broaden Medicaid provider choice and reimbursement rules for counseling and related behavioral health services. It would specifically add new authority for licensed associate-level mental health professionals and certain social workers to be reimbursed under Medicaid, and it would require HHSC to administer those payments at a reduced rate tied to psychiatrist and psychologist reimbursement benchmarks. The bill could affect Medicaid recipients, counseling providers, federally qualified health centers, and HHSC administrative practices, while also potentially requiring federal approval before implementation.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had generally strong support in the House, passing second reading 112-32 and third reading 109-35. That margin indicates broad approval for expanding access to counseling services and recognizing additional provider types in Medicaid. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so there is no recorded discussion here showing organized opposition or support beyond the floor votes.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on reimbursement levels, provider scope, and Medicaid program costs. Supporters would view the bill as improving access to mental health care, especially by using associate-level providers and expanding options for recipients. Potential critics may question whether paying associate-level practitioners at 50 percent of psychiatrist or psychologist rates is sufficient, whether the state should reimburse providers still completing supervised practice, and whether the expansion could increase program spending or require federal waiver approval before it can be implemented.
Relating to the provision of certain mental and behavioral health services under Medicaid, Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for those services, and the regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities; requiring an occupational license.
Relating to the provision of on-campus mental health services by a school district and reimbursement under Medicaid for certain services provided to eligible students.