Texas House Bill HB1192

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/7/11
• Introduced: 2/8/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11

Caption

Relating to the requirement and study of insurance coverage for serious emotional disturbance of a child.

Impact

If enacted, HB1192 would obligate health insurance plans to cover important mental health treatments for children, which could improve access to necessary mental health care services for families facing such challenges. By removing limitations on the number of days for inpatient treatment and outpatient visits, the bill aims to provide more substantial support to children affected by serious emotional disturbances and serious mental illnesses. This move could also reduce long-term mental health issues by promoting early intervention and treatment.

Summary

House Bill 1192 addresses the need for insurance coverage regarding serious emotional disturbances in children. Specifically, it mandates that group health benefit plans provide coverage for diagnosed serious emotional disturbances and serious mental illnesses in children aged three to seventeen. The bill outlines that such coverage must include a minimum of 45 days of inpatient treatment and 60 outpatient visits per year, ensuring that mental health care is prioritized and equitably treated like physical health care under insurance plans. This marks a significant change in how mental health is addressed in healthcare policies for children.

Contention

While the intent of HB1192 is to enhance mental health provisions for children, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation and financial implications for insurance providers. The requirement for extended treatment coverage may raise concerns among insurers about cost and the potential for increased premiums. Moreover, stakeholders may debate how effectively the bill's provisions could be enforced and monitored, particularly in terms of ensuring that the coverage meets the set standards without loopholes or limitations that undermine the bill's goals.