Comments and Responses on Draft House Bill 4 Telecommunications Policies Now Available

In alignment with HB 4 (87th Legislative Session, 2021), HHSC has developed draft policy changes to allow covered services through telemedicine, telehealth and audio-only delivery if clinically appropriate and cost effective. The HB 4 draft policies were previously posted for public comment. The responses to public comments are available below. To learn more about implementation of HB 4 and the analysis framework, visit the MCS Teleservices webpage.

The linked documents below include responses to draft policy comments.

Children's Services Handbook

• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services policy (PDF)

Gynecological, Obstetrics and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook

• Obstetric Services policy (PDF)

Healthy Texas Women (HTW) Program Handbook

• HTW policy (PDF)

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Services
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy Services and related Durable Medical Equipment services (PDF)

• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy — Children (Acute and Chronic) policy
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy — Adult/Clients Age 21 and Over policy
• Mobility Aids — Home Health
• Mobility Aids — CCP
• Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) System — Home Health policy

Telecommunication Services Handbook

• Telemedicine (physician-delivered) Services policy (PDF)
• Telehealth (non-physician delivered) Services policy (PDF)

Contact MCD Medical Benefits with questions.