Bill > SB1661

This bill modifies Texas Medicaid regulations to allow Medicaid managed care organizations to offer nutrition support services as an alternative to some existing state Medicaid plan services. The bill defines specific nutrition support services that can be provided, including case management related to food access, nutrition counseling, medically tailored meals, and food prescription programs. These services would be designed to help patients manage or prevent diet-related chronic diseases. A "community-based nutrition support organization" must meet specific criteria, such as employing a registered dietitian nutritionist and having an agreement with a healthcare provider. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is required to submit a biennial report to the legislature detailing the number of recipients receiving these nutrition support services and assessing their health outcomes using measures like hemoglobin A1c levels, blood pressure control, emergency room visits, and birth weight. The executive commissioner must also establish a separate provider type for these nutrition support organizations to enable their enrollment and reimbursement under Medicaid. The changes will apply to Medicaid contracts entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2025, and the implementation may be subject to obtaining necessary federal waivers.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1661