Your child's checkups before the first birthday could include a depression screening for you
What it does
The bill would require the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid to cover up to four depression screenings for a mother, done during the child's covered visits before the child's first birthday. The mother would not have to be enrolled in the same program to get the screening, and under Medicaid the screenings would happen during a covered Texas Health Steps exam. If the state needs a federal waiver or approval, it can delay putting the change in place. The bill takes effect September 1, 2027.
What it means for your community
If your baby is on Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, your child's early visits could include a depression screening for you that the program covers. The screening would happen during a visit you are already taking your child to. The change depends on federal approval, so the start date is not certain.
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