Relating to the provision of counseling services by certain providers under Medicaid and reimbursement for those services.

SB 469 expands Medicaid coverage for counseling services by allowing recipients to choose associate-level providers (licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers pursuing clinical licensure, and licensed professional counselor associates) who are working toward full licensure. The bill requires Medicaid to reimburse these providers at 50% of the rate paid to licensed psychiatrists or psychologists, with a cap of 3,000 hours or the required clinical practice hours for full licensure. This directly affects Medicaid recipients seeking counseling and associate-level providers who currently cannot be reimbursed under Medicaid. The policy change aims to increase access to mental health services while maintaining cost controls through specific reimbursement rates and hour limits.