Honorable Charles Schwertner, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1600 by Thompson, Senfronia (Relating to certain mental health screenings under the Texas Health Steps program.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require at least one mental health screening be provided through the Texas Health Steps program to children aged 12 to 18 years who are enrolled in Medicaid. Providers would be allowed to conduct mental health screenings during each annual medical exam for these recipients.
According to the Health and Human Services Commission, recipients in this age group already receive a mental health screening at least once. Based on assumptions related to length of time children remain enrolled in Medicaid and the reimbursement rate for a mental health screening, the provisions of the bill are not anticipated to result in a significant increase in expenditures and any increased cost can be absorbed within available resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.