HB 2573

relating to Medicaid coverage and reimbursement of doula services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 32, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 32.02481 to read as follows:
Sec. 32.02481.  MEDICAL ASSISTANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR DOULA
SERVICES.  In addition to reimbursement a doula may receive under
Section 32.024(qq) for case management services, the commission
shall ensure that medical assistance reimbursement is provided for
doula services provided by a doula to a medical assistance
recipient.  Notwithstanding Section 32.024(l-1), the commission
shall ensure medical assistance reimbursement under this
subsection is provided beginning on the date a recipient's
pregnancy is confirmed by a medical professional and ending the
12th month after the date the pregnancy ends.
SECTION 2.  (a)  As soon as practicable after the effective
date of this Act but not later than January 1, 2026, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall seek
from the appropriate federal agency an amendment to the state
Medicaid plan to implement Section 32.02481, Human Resources Code,
(b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section, if
before implementing any provision of this Act the Health and Human
Services Commission or other state agency determines that a waiver
from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that
provision, the agency shall request the waiver and may delay
implementing that provision until the waiver is granted.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.