[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6103441,"mediaKeyId","2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd","parentId",2795421,"title","Bills seeks to let foster caregivers pay out‑of‑network for timely care when Medicaid networks lack providers","audioSeconds",112,"startMs",4975000,"endMs",5087000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd&start=4975&end=5087","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd/thumbnail_4975000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6103441/Texas/Bills-seeks-to-let-foster-caregivers-pay-outofnetwork-for-timely-care-when-Medicaid-networks-lack-providers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103441-f1910cc1a5f8b0ef209823ba8be0ef12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955097&Signature=MzLUfcwWbV91OrxQoeZkbalWe3G0YtGslHIpse~fRiY-3NhkaV38z6Flf-Z1Whmus-lVRt4xbkFLaZV0g-VI2nYlgyfsACT3lfcVvYYEfPmrwwUwXEhJXaka0846s3ULQyiK4wxuoO~xlJDS8Z300n8disGx2Y~kjCLJS1G5AVFrBAh~bdA-x5ewcDjNKp52rz~1SjgV32Y8Upgr625xNsUXz3TKle4I09i~-XHnsVsr9Jq9~zd3EPrZD0dmJ8Ln1-V97txTkCIrPRk28YG2GM3iznfo6801D5RL-Gg1tii82OnHr9y~l4vKozRanYn6GcLCjahr9cxqJ4rerJNbvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Legislature","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Dawnna Sparks told the Senate committee that Senate Bill 8 55 would help foster children obtain timely specialized care by permitting medical consenters (usually foster caregivers) to assume financial responsibility for out‑of‑network services when in‑network providers are unavailable. The bill would preserve Medicaid benefits and in‑network care, require timely notification to the child’s caseworker when out‑of‑network care is used, and would not shift financial responsibility to the state unless ordered by a court.

Caregivers and providers from West Texas described long waits and near‑nonexistent in‑network options for pediatric and behavioral health services. Kelsey Jones, executive director of HighSky Children’s Ranch in Midland, said an in‑network pediatric or dental provider can be hundreds of miles away and gave an example of a caregiver who needed endodontic care for a teen and faced a 500‑mile trip to the nearest in‑network specialist. Vim Head, a foster parent, said allowing caregivers to access out‑of‑network providers would be “a huge benefit.”

Supporters told the committee the bill imposes no new state cost and gives caregivers a tool similar to options available to non‑foster families. However, child advocates and CASA representatives urged safeguards: Sarah Crockett of Texas CASA asked for parameters to prevent inappropriate elective procedures from being pursued without prior department or court authorization and requested an explicit exception preserving court‑ordered payments.

The committee did not vote on the bill; public testimony was closed and the measure was left pending.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 8 55 would allow foster caregivers to pay for out‑of‑network medical and behavioral health services for foster children when timely in‑network care is unavailable, while preserving Medicaid benefits and requiring notification to caseworkers.","taxTitle","Committee on Health & Human Services, Senate, Legislative, Texas","taxId",16925,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6103460,"Senate committee hears testimony on bill to create perinatal palliative care information and provider list",227,94000,321000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd&start=94&end=321","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd/thumbnail_94000.jpg","/articles/6103460/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-testimony-on-bill-to-create-perinatal-palliative-care-information-and-provider-list","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103460-9989d34d9a6b2d5109a9483ac53cb768/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955097&Signature=WDDbBKRVy9qknzg-AfUY9pQtDLeAXsx9ervWFyQgW80t8tvKo2rh-ZFKSbBeqhzD7ZQti1vSPkO13PC-6gM80wQ1H9f~c6F6seLpCszE9bHoVxl2HW0~OUGggWpDWbV0U6Mx2MTaK-GPsWGPt749a3gW-zQgVjCU8F6oPkzyfqB9nK9baHhaCmSPGwoM45MNMh2ud1eC9ukcVTFVm-K0EMHz5W3-v1p5~95OV8NtHy472JX5tRTckf1Wdz54t2HltDmD-ouCggrm4PJ71W658vYbg6V1YoHiN11rpefrhgIwl3MhX3oFqh9w~Fd3bc8w9CnVl4JSmBE8VQX6a8RsdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate sponsors and dozens of invited witnesses urged the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services to back legislation that would expand information and access to perinatal palliative care for families who receive life‑limiting prenatal diagnoses.

Senator Nathan Hancock, the bill’s author, told the committee that Senate Bill 12 33 would require the Health and Human Services Commission to develop informational materials, post them online, and publish “a geographically indexed list of perinatal palliative care providers in Texas” with an option to include nearby out‑of‑state programs. The bill also would allow HHSC to create a signed certification form indicating a pregnant woman received the information, and it extends care and supports up to one year after birth.

The committee heard invited testimony from parents and providers. Ava Trammell, who described learning at a 21‑week anatomy scan that her child had bilateral renal agenesis, told the committee she was offered only two options at the time: “They gave me 2 options at my appointment with the specialist that I could either go to Colorado and terminate the pregnancy and have an abortion, or I could go full term and act as if it was a regular pregnancy.” She said she lacked information and resources and supports Senate Bill 12 33 because it would give other families choices she did not receive.

Advocates from Texas Right to Life and Texas Alliance for Life said the bill would ensure families learn about palliative options rather than being steered toward abortion or out‑of‑state care. Samantha Furness of Texas Right to Life told the committee that “palliative care is a kindness” and said the bill would create a central resource list. Amy O’Donnell of Texas Alliance for Life said receiving these resources at the time of diagnosis “would have been invaluable” for families who currently must seek them out on their own.

Clinical witnesses urged care in the bill’s drafting. Maxine Tomlinson, director of governmental relations for the Texas and New Mexico Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, said the draft language should align with current statute and terminology—pointing to Texas Health & Safety Code language—and said her organization’s position was neutral. Dr. Natalie Frost, a board‑certified neonatologist who works in level 3 and 4 neonatal ICUs, thanked the sponsor but pressed for medically appropriate language changes (for example, replacing the phrase “preborn child” with “fetus” and “life‑threatening disability” with “life‑limiting diagnosis”) and asked the committee not to require a signed form from parents at a traumatic time.

Committee members and witnesses discussed access in rural border areas; Senator Hancock noted the bill’s geographic index could include out‑of‑state programs near the border. No final committee vote was taken; the chair closed public testimony and left the bill pending.

Ending: Committee members thanked the witnesses and left SB 12 33 pending for additional drafting and stakeholder work.","Senate sponsors and witnesses told the Health and Human Services Committee that Senate Bill 12 33 would give families facing life‑limiting prenatal diagnoses clearer information and access to perinatal palliative care resources.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6103455,"Bill would let DFPS assume case management for specific contracts; agency backs the proposal",183,1381000,1564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd&start=1381&end=1564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd/thumbnail_1381000.jpg","/articles/6103455/Texas/Bill-would-let-DFPS-assume-case-management-for-specific-contracts-agency-backs-the-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103455-b57ab7a75ad2ecc1fbc15c259e4b819d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955097&Signature=ZrXVVRjIYgBz-UbDQ1qLbKjgJwKRKC57zDzd~jmq2cUUdCFOfw4JDu7En525TLyOD~-3eWo2E0FX6ycKW5XVrsZnYy7QMUY8RHxhrlbcXnQ4TdYHjC3fWbqCn7DllVlFPjTPcziwhRHZPk4-e8tMo8kRHt2rlwc0UKYFmtTH7tdY0e~g5oD66PylR5VwycBQCrcGgk4oQMH3TYbG4AtIXxmj8z0wNEp29gzkmm1VKFn-Tv6nFI5ynG1gjP2r2NgFX17rsjAv2yp4TN03LQYJgTYlzAxfj2tD6ToYqQ1SSubovulcb~H1dAdD1j7Nsal8v-C8RqBiL-hSjc1ncxyj-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Nathan Hancock told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that Senate Bill 15 89 responds to recurring problems with single‑source continuum contractors (SSCCs) managing foster care casework. Under current statute, the Department of Family and Protective Services can place an entire contract under corrective action or terminate a contract, but it lacks authority to step in on a case‑by‑case or incremental basis.

The bill would add a statutory tool allowing DFPS to assume responsibility for particular cases or groups of cases without initiating full contract turnover or termination, sponsors said. That change is meant to let the agency respond quickly to acute performance issues while preserving effective contracts elsewhere in a provider’s portfolio.

Stephanie Muth, commissioner of DFPS, testified in support and said the department already relies on corrective action plans but that “there’s a very wide gulf between that and then contract termination.” When committee members asked whether the department can step in today on a single case, Commissioner Muth answered plainly, “No.” She said the bill would give DFPS a necessary statutory authority to take more targeted action.

Members discussed the broader rollout of community‑based care models, the agency’s growing jurisdiction, and the need for statutory clarity to make timely corrections without destabilizing service networks. Several senators praised Commissioner Muth’s leadership and urged continuing dialogue with providers as the legislation is refined. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending.","Senate Bill 15 89 would allow DFPS to assume case‑management responsibilities incrementally for specific cases or groups of cases under SSCCs, instead of requiring full contract termination, the department told the Senate HHS Committee.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6103446,"Senate hears competing approaches for backup power and emergency plans for nursing and assisted living facilities",678,4863000,5541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd&start=4863&end=5541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd/thumbnail_4863000.jpg","/articles/6103446/Texas/Senate-hears-competing-approaches-for-backup-power-and-emergency-plans-for-nursing-and-assisted-living-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103446-0e700426bd0eb509d8b30dd1d26aebb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955097&Signature=XNZol0iIdYiiS7neL5InDKbwIjHDr9pxcGj8KkziM8uAGGj95agwE1wt-oA4YgYFCQW39WJ3jXqiXLMAdzmO4gO6nHzQb8H~ZFxU3sNKvfC4nLyp2gOtBxHoBvLQCZGIrdJELkMjAVlxzxoX2S51hTcan5tVFjsw4XFdNVIwDVFFhWmTMz0PC2OenfRqOanGtjF6yF6JMlLldd3edCKFoRiBIGbPQtIwyWPhASadh3nqGhbqWe3tksrgREtQguYpujhO2h0WmTcsc-Pli7L1jHGKzs1j4SIY96wDMOTeU6jR5j9raJJ4mwRx~gLEGNp62FVd7e~GUEb0ov0qk0lK-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Royce Miles told the committee that Senate Bill 13 68 responds to failures during recent severe outages—most recently Hurricane Beryl and earlier incidents—when residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities faced heat, lack of elevators and trapped residents.

SB 13 68 would require facilities to prepare written contingency plans for power outages, to be able to maintain appropriate temperatures for residents during extended outages, and to report outages lasting more than 12 hours to HHSC for oversight. The sponsor said the statute is intended to create “preparation and consistency” and protect vulnerable, mobile and bedbound residents.

Testimony showed a sharp divide on how to achieve those goals. The Texas Assisted Living Association’s Carmen Tilton argued in favor of a performance‑based approach that holds providers accountable for outcomes (keeping medications safe, maintaining controlled temperatures) but gives facilities flexibility on equipment and methods. Harris County Fire Marshal Lori Christiansen said a code‑aligned inspection checklist helps standardize expectations and supported the bill’s goals. The State Long‑Term Care Ombudsman, Patty Duquier, supported stronger protections but urged the committee to require on‑site backup power rather than reliance on brought‑in generators because of road closures and fuel logistics during disasters.

Large nursing facility operators warned of high costs. 7 Acres CEO Marcia Caton said installing on‑site megawatt generators could cost “approximately a million dollars” per community and raised maintenance and staffing challenges for running large generators. Bronze Peterson, speaking for a coalition of roughly 600 nursing facilities, said the bill as written would impose significant costs and recommended limiting the stricter requirements to newly constructed facilities or state‑funded mandates.

Committee members and witnesses discussed a compromise path: require clear, enforceable performance standards and communications, create a waiver or funding pathway for facilities that cannot immediately retrofit equipment, and use administrative rulemaking to develop technical standards. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending for additional drafting work.","Senate Bill 13 68 would require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to maintain contingency plans and certain emergency capabilities to protect bedbound and mobility‑limited residents during power outages; witnesses split between a flexible performance‑based standard and a prescriptive equipment mandate.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6103451,"Committee adopts substitute to clarify eligibility, protections for Thriving Texas Families program",276,2096000,2372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd&start=2096&end=2372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2795421-3161f9ae227729d2d57a6042fbc06efd/thumbnail_2096000.jpg","/articles/6103451/Texas/Committee-adopts-substitute-to-clarify-eligibility-protections-for-Thriving-Texas-Families-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103451-6e6385d66a7eae719f9a7ec69707f1ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955097&Signature=NHC-3Pf6MqITb7r15TAACMztSlSFgQFOcPJLwl690R2ZVat9dtUZ8sAxLgwcoZ~7Hg8NGA51WQkY5gE0KqCw54Ylj3A7uh~cgvt6XCwKsD~ECp54nifS8~VBI96DMq5RTBRPdVSS0rr8pGm1TFU-1NtE7Z-NB7ZbGjj37MLxRUJV9efbgj3aaPC3DPkLxVZZGA9h3Odv~trgFHIesRS6SXl-8~wMmp6E7JEPz7VCI5D7R4omRH~GdH72MfuK64Q61qK1VZStoy3ol1KbqKLofB3egGtVezSLKPizktn9SQunxJm8gIZm9TjSYGckQsUOh9y2ozfiDRCdypbrO7swLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 13 88, a follow‑up to last session’s codification of the Thriving Texas Families program, received a committee substitute and broad witness testimony in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Sponsor Senator Lois Kolkhorst told the committee that SB 13 88 aligns program eligibility and funding with the original intent of the Alternatives to Abortion program: supporting pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, adoption agencies and similar life‑affirming organizations. “The committee substitute…makes clear that the program continues to provide support to crisis pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and similar organizations,” Kolkhorst said.

The committee adopted the substitute by unanimous voice: a member moved adoption and the chair announced “Hearing none. Motion is adopted.” The chair then called a long panel of invited and public witnesses who largely supported the bill and urged preservation of the program’s fee‑for‑service model and continued prioritization of pregnancy resource centers. Proponents said the program helps families with material assistance, case management and connections to Medicaid and other services; speakers described individual client stories showing practical support from the program.

Witnesses pressed two recurring implementation concerns: (1) eligibility and doctrinal alignment—several speakers wanted to ensure organizations with abortion affiliations are excluded—and (2) funding methodology—many small pregnancy resource centers urged retaining or clarifying a fee‑for‑service model rather than moving to strict direct cost reimbursement that they said disadvantages smaller providers. Ashley Leonard, legislative director for Texas Right to Life, asked the committee “to please consider addressing this funding type issue in Senate Bill 13 88.” Several speakers, including executives from Catholic service providers, pregnancy clinics, and the Texas Pregnancy Care Network, described how the program supports wraparound services through local centers.

Public testimony closed after dozens of providers and advocates spoke. The chair left the committee substitute pending for further consideration; the committee’s earlier voice adoption of the substitute was the only recorded committee action.","A committee substitute for Senate Bill 13 88 clarifies that the Thriving Texas Families program (formerly Alternatives to Abortion) remains life‑affirming, limits eligible grantees to organizations unaffiliated with abortion providers, and drew extensive testimony from pregnancy resource centers and faith groups about access and funding models.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bills seeks to let foster caregivers pay out‑of‑network for timely care when Medicaid networks lack providers

Senate committee hears testimony on bill to create perinatal palliative care information and provider list

Bill would let DFPS assume case management for specific contracts; agency backs the proposal

Senate hears competing approaches for backup power and emergency plans for nursing and assisted living facilities

Committee adopts substitute to clarify eligibility, protections for Thriving Texas Families program