Title: Texas 89th Legislative Session: Building Momentum for Non-Medical Drivers of Health Policy
Source: Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Authors: Charles W. Mathias, Elena M. Marks, and Ramya Motati
The 89th Texas Legislative Session demonstrated growing momentum in efforts to integrate non-medical drivers of health (NMDOH) into health care policy. Lawmakers advanced strategies such as leveraging Medicaid’s In Lieu of Services Authority and expanding the types of non-medical providers eligible for coverage. Two bills were passed into law: one creating a pilot for medically tailored meals for women with certain chronic conditions that contribute to high-risk pregnancies and another authorizing Medicaid reimbursement for lactation consultants. Together, these measures represent meaningful steps forward for maternal health and Medicaid policy. This report offers recommendations for the 90th Legislative Session and highlights developments to watch during the Biennium.
