We've added a Medicaid Rate Hearing to the Call to Action. Although it isn't a legislative action, it will have a significant impact on the fees paid for mental health services (some go up and some go down) as well as access to care for those who use Medicaid for their health insurance.
Everyone should call their Representative or Senator for bills that are set on the House or Senate Calendar. For bills scheduled for committee hearings, please call the committee members ONLY if you are a constituent of a Committee member. Contact information for key House and Senate Committee members. Find out Who Represents You.
House Floor Vote: Call anytime today - FRI, May 8
Oppose HB 1998 (Coleman). This bill would add Occupational Therapists to the list of non-physician mental health providers in the Health and Safety Code. "Please do not support this legislation on the House floor." TCA talking points on HB 1998.
HHSC Medicaid Rate Hearing: Comments due THURS, May 14
Submit public comment. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is conducting a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, including changes in the schedule for mental health (psychiatry) services - Excel. Go to the HHSC Meetings and Events webpage to access the May 14: Proposed Medicaid Payment Rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review for more details. Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5 pm the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax, or email RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us.
House Public Health Committee: Call before 8am TUE, May 12
Support SB 239 (Schwertner). This bill would provide loan forgiveness for certain mental health providers. "Please favorably report SB 239 bill from committee." TCA talking points on SB 239.
Senate Transportation Committee: Call before 8am WED, May 13
Support HB 2216 (Coleman). This bill would remove information regarding mental health treatment from the application for or renewal of a Texas driver's license. "Please favorably report HB 2216 from committee."
House Public Education Committee: Call before 8am THURS, May 14
Support CSSB 164 (Lucio). This bill would require school districts to adopt on policy on how much time a school counselor should spend implementing the Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program. "Please set for a hearing and favorably report CSSB 164 from committee." TCA testimony on SB 164.