Uvalde school shooting – health benefit plan guidance

Home Bulletins Commissioner bulletins – 2022 B-0004-22 June 9, 2022 To:   All health benefit plans, agents, and the public Re:   Uvalde school shooting – health benefit plan guidance On May 27, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration in response to the Robb Elementary School shooting tragedy in Uvalde. The tragedy has caused widespread and severe damage, injury, and loss of life in Uvalde County, Texas. The governor authorized the use of all available state and local government resources necessary to cope with the disaster. (Government Code Section 418.017). The Texas Department of Insurance encourages health benefit plans to consider the following actions. Cooperation by every plan will help ensure the fair and compassionate treatment of consumers in Uvalde County and provide for fair competition: Provide coverage and reimbursement for covered mental health services that are delivered by a preferred or contracted health professional using telecommunications or information technology, including audio-only services, at the same basis and to the same extent as an in-person setting. Authorize payment to pharmacies for up to a 90-day supply of any prescription medication for individuals, regardless of when the prescription was filled. For questions about this bulletin, contact Managed Care Quality Assurance at 512-676-6400 and select option 7, or by email at MCQA@tdi.texas.gov . For more information, contact: MCQA@tdi.texas.gov Last updated: 6/9/2022