Relating to unconditional designation of physicians as participating providers in a managed care plan.

SB 267 requires Texas managed care plans to unconditionally accept any physician who applies to join their provider network, meaning plans cannot deny such applications. The bill mandates that these plans reimburse participating physicians at 90% of the highest contracted rate for the same service. It applies to specific health benefit plans, including Medicaid managed care, basic coverage plans, and child health programs, and takes effect on January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects physicians seeking network participation and managed care plans' contracting and reimbursement practices.