Bill > HB3396

This bill expands the rights of medical consenters (individuals authorized to consent to medical care for foster children) to assume financial responsibility for out-of-network medical care for foster children. Specifically, medical consenters other than the state department can now engage out-of-network healthcare providers and cover the associated costs, which may include enrolling the child in a health insurance plan. The bill clarifies that the department is not liable for these costs unless a court orders otherwise. The legislation also protects foster children's existing Medicaid benefits and does not limit their access to in-network services. Medical consenters must notify the child's caseworker within 10 business days of providing out-of-network care, and the child's health passport must be updated with these medical records. Additionally, the bill prevents Medicaid managed care organizations from taking adverse actions against recipients accessing care under these new provisions, ensuring that foster children can receive necessary medical treatment from providers chosen by their medical consenters without facing administrative barriers.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3396