81R13791 PMO-F
By: Coleman H.B. No. 2714
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to group health benefit plan coverage for speech,
language, or hearing impairments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1365.003, Insurance Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 1365.003. [OFFER OF] COVERAGE REQUIRED. (a) A group
health benefit plan issuer shall provide [offer and make available
under the plan] coverage for the necessary care and treatment of
loss or impairment of speech, language, or hearing.
(b) Coverage required under this section:
(1) may not be less favorable than coverage for
physical illness generally under the plan; and
(2) must be subject to the same durational limits,
dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance factors as coverage for
physical illness generally under the plan.
SECTION 2. Section 1365.004, Insurance Code, is repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act applies only to an insurance policy or
contract or evidence of coverage that is delivered, issued for
delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2010. An insurance
policy or contract or evidence of coverage delivered, issued for
delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2010, is governed by the law
as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and
that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.