78R637 DLF-D

By:  Shapleigh                                                    S.B. No. 493


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to mental health and substance abuse services provided through certain state health benefit programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.0224 to read as follows: Sec. 531.0224. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES. (a) To ensure appropriate delivery of mental health and substance abuse services, the commission shall regularly evaluate program contractors and subcontractors that provide or arrange for the services for persons enrolled in: (1) the Medicaid program, including the managed care Medicaid program; (2) the state child health plan program; and (3) the Texas Health Steps program, including the comprehensive care program. (b) The commission shall monitor: (1) payment arrangements between a contractor providing or arranging for mental health or substance abuse services under a program described by Subsection (a) and any health maintenance organization or other subcontractor that is providing or arranging for mental health or substance abuse services; (2) penetration rates, as they relate to mental health and substance abuse services provided by or through contractors and subcontractors; (3) utilization rates, as they relate to mental health and substance abuse services provided by or through contractors and subcontractors; (4) provider networks used by contractors and subcontractors to provide mental health or substance abuse services; and (5) reimbursement rates paid for mental health and substance abuse services. SECTION 2. The Health and Human Services Commission shall prepare a report concerning alternatives, including appropriate federal waivers, that may be used to fund expansion of the range of mental health and substance abuse services provided to persons enrolled in the Medicaid program. Not later than December 1, 2005, the commission shall submit the report for the consideration of the committees of the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over the Medicaid program. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.