Texas HB1716 amends Medicaid to allow recipients to choose certain counselors and reimburses them at 50% of psychiatrist rates.

HB1716 modifies Medicaid provisions in Texas to allow recipients to select licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and clinical social workers for health care services. It also permits reimbursement for associates of these professions, provided they are working towards their licenses. Reimbursement is capped at 50% of the psychiatrist rate and limited to 3,000 hours or the number of hours required for licensure. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Texas HB1716 amends Medicaid to allow recipients to choose certain counselors and reimburses them at 50% of psychiatrist rates.

HB1716 modifies Medicaid provisions in Texas to allow recipients to select licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and clinical social workers for health care services. It also permits reimbursement for associates of these professions, provided they are working towards their licenses. Reimbursement is capped at 50% of the psychiatrist rate and limited to 3,000 hours or the number of hours required for licensure. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.