Texas House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety – HB 2638
SUMMARY – On March 27, Deputy Director of The Hackett Center Marcy Melvin provided invited testimony before the House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety in support of HB 2638. HB 2638, by Representative Ann Johnson, would authorize Medicaid reimbursement for Multisystemic Therapy (MST) services.
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In invited testimony, Marcy summarized the benefits of MST, which provides intensive therapy in a young person’s home, school, or other community location, targeting the specific needs of individual families. It reduces violent crimes by 75% compared to other forms of care and has a long-term impact that lasts an average of two decades post-treatment.
75%
reduction in violent crimes with MST compared to routine congregate and other care
“Violence is the second leading cause of death for our Texas children,” Marcy told the committee. “And MST is the only treatment that’s proven to reduce violent crimes.”
The House budget includes $32.45 million in funding for MST, and if passed, HB 2638 can draw down federal funding to leverage the state investment.
HB 2638, Marcy testified, would provide Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for MST services in Texas, allowing the state to expand MST capacity to meet the growing need.