Bill > HB154

This bill aims to expand Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient mental health services in Texas by establishing new requirements for medical assistance payments. The bill defines an "inpatient mental health institution" as a hospital, nursing facility, or other facility with 16 or more beds that primarily provides healthcare services to individuals with mental illness. It requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to ensure medical assistance reimbursement for these institutions, with the executive commissioner mandated to create rules that cover reimbursement for healthcare services provided to Medicaid recipients of any age and for the entire duration of a recipient's stay at the mental health institution. The bill includes a provision allowing state agencies to request federal waivers if necessary for implementation and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. By explicitly mandating comprehensive reimbursement for mental health inpatient services across all age groups, the bill seeks to improve access to mental healthcare for Medicaid recipients in Texas.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB154