Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

SB 2088 expands Medicaid coverage for counseling services in Texas by allowing recipients to select certain associate-level providers who are training toward full licensure. Specifically, it permits Medicaid beneficiaries to choose licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers pursuing clinical licensure, and licensed professional counselor associates. The bill requires Medicaid to reimburse these providers at 70% of the rate paid to fully licensed psychiatrists or psychologists for similar services. This change directly affects Medicaid recipients seeking counseling and the associate providers who will now qualify for reimbursement under the program.