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Webinar About STAR Health Private Pay Option for Out-of-Network Services

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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has partnered with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to host an educational webinar for providers about Senate Bill (S.B.) 855, 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025.

The webinar will take place on February 24, 2026.

S.B. 855 Overview

Under S.B. 855, medical consenters of children in state conservatorship may, under certain circumstances, obtain and privately pay for Medicaid-covered services from out-of-network providers that are not in the STAR Health network. This option does not apply to pharmacy services.

Out-of-network providers under this option include:

  • Medicaid-enrolled providers that are not contracted with the STAR Health managed care organization (MCO).
  • Community providers that do not participate in Medicaid.

The webinar is intended for providers that may be approached by medical consenters who want to use this option. The webinar will cover information that providers should consider before providing services under this option, including the steps required to allow private-pay arrangements and how to appropriately coordinate care.

Webinar Details:

Topic: S.B. 855 and STAR Health: Provider Overview

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Time: 3–4 p.m. Central time

Target audience: Medicaid and non-Medicaid providers that may provide services to children enrolled in STAR Health and placed in DFPS conservatorship

Webinar Registration: Webinar for Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Providers: STAR Health Private Pay Option for Out-of-Network Services

What Providers Can Expect

During the webinar, HHSC will provide an overview of S.B. 855 and discuss the overall implications for providers. The presentation will include information on the following key topics:

  • The importance of coordinated care for the STAR Health population
  • Medicaid-enrolled provider responsibilities related to private-pay agreements and marketing
  • Texas Health Steps visit requirements
  • Psychotropic Medication Utilization Review

The webinar will also allow time for provider questions.

For policy-related questions, providers may contact Managed Care Initiatives at Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhs.texas.gov