BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 826
By: Van de Putte
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Post partum depression is a devastating mood disorder which strikes many women during and after pregnancy. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), since post partum depression is a not a "stand-alone" diagnosis, women who suffer from post partum depression would fall under the "major depressive disorders" section of the Insurance Code and thus receive the benefits assigned by that code. However, this eligibility for services is not explicitly stated in the Insurance Code, so there is a cap on the services that may be provided within a twelve-month period, and the specific needs of this disease are not taken into account when providing services. Texas women are not receiving the mental health services they need when suffering from post partum depression. Too often, the only time post partum depression is spoken about or women with this disease are given the medical attention they need is when a tragedy occurs and a child or mother dies.
S.B. 826 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study examining the feasibility and effects of providing 12 months of mental health services under the Medicaid program to eligible women who are diagnosed with postpartum depression and to report the study, and an explanation of its results, to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and legislature.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Defines "postpartum depression." Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a study examining the feasibility and effects of providing 12 months of mental health services under the Medicaid program to women who are diagnosed with postpartum depression and who are eligible for medical assistance under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code. Requires HHSC, not later than September 1, 2006, to provide a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and legislature that explains the conclusions of the study.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2005.