The bill would allow a person other than the Department of Family and Protective Service (DFPS), who is otherwise authorized to consent to medical care for a foster child, to assume financial responsibility for medical care provided to the foster child by an out-of-network provider. The bill would establish that DFPS is not liable for the cost of such care. The bill would prohibit Medicaid managed care organizations from taking certain adverse actions related to such care and require STAR Health program managed care contracts between Medicaid managed care organizations and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to include provisions prohibiting such adverse actions.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2025.
According to DFPS and HHSC, amendments to contracts, policies, and procedures would be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.