Texas House Bill HB2000

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/14/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain amino acid-based elemental formulas.

Impact

The bill will significantly affect existing state insurance regulations by expanding the range of conditions for which insurance must provide coverage. Health benefit plans will need to revise their policies to comply with the new law, ensuring that patients diagnosed with the specified conditions receive necessary treatments without added financial burdens. This change is expected to benefit many families who rely on such formulas for the health of their children or relatives with severe allergies and other disorders.

Summary

House Bill 2000 mandates health benefit plans in Texas to provide coverage for certain amino acid-based elemental formulas. The bill specifically targets individuals with specific medical conditions, including food allergies and gastrointestinal disorders, which can necessitate the use of these specialized formulas. By requiring that such coverage be included without limitations that would be less favorable than what is offered for prescription drugs, the bill seeks to ensure that patients have access to necessary nutritional support as part of their health treatment strategies.

Contention

Although the bill has merit in supporting individuals with unique health challenges, there may be contention regarding the costs incurred by insurance companies and how these changes could be passed on to other policyholders through increased premiums. Additionally, there could be debates around the definitions of medical necessity and the oversight mechanisms for utilization review. Stakeholders in the insurance industry might express concerns about the implications of mandatory coverage and how it may affect their operational frameworks.