Honorable Charles Schwertner, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1661 by Guerra (Relating to Medicaid billing for the services of substitute dentists.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to adopt rules ensuring the same standards that apply to a physician billing Medicaid for services provided by a substitute physician also apply to a dentist billing Medicaid for services provided by a substitute dentist. The bill would require agencies to seek any necessary federal waiver or authorization and allow the agencies to delay implementation until waiver or authorization is granted. The bill would be effective immediately with a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house; otherwise, the bill would be effective September 1, 2015.
According to HHSC, any cost associated with adopting rules would not be significant and could be absorbed within the available resources of the agency. Any required Medicaid policy changes would be made within the scope of dental managed care contracts and would have no fiscal impact to HHSC.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.