TX Policy

Maternal Mental Health Legislation

2018-2019 | 86th Legislature

HB 253 Relating to a strategic plan to address postpartum depression.

Requires the health and human services commission to develop and implement a five-year strategic plan to improve access to postpartum depression screening, referral, treatment, and support services. The strategic plan must include: strategies to increase awareness among providers about the effects of postpartum depression on outcomes for women and children; establish a referral network of community-based mental health providers and support services; increase access to formal and informal peer support services; raise public awareness and reduce stigma related to postpartum depression; and leverage sources of funding to support community-based screening, referral, treatment, and support services.

SB 750 Relating to maternal and newborn health care and the quality of services provided to women in this state under certain health care programs.

Instructs the commission to develop and implement a postpartum depression treatment network for women enrolled in the state’s medical assistance program as well as the Healthy Texas Women program.

2017-2018 | 85th Legislature

HB 2466 Relating to the content of an application for Medicaid and coverage for certain services related to maternal depression under the Medicaid and child health plan programs.

Requires that Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) pay for the screening if the child is covered, even if the mother is not. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Texas mothers will be eligible for the benefit each year.