82R1758 TJS-D
By: Lucio, Davis S.B. No. 440
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to health benefit plan coverage for autism spectrum
disorder under certain health benefit plans.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter A, Chapter 1355,
Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER A. [GROUP HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN] COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN
SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES AND OTHER DISORDERS
SECTION 2. Section 1355.002(b), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) [Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1575 or 1579
or any other law,] Section 1355.015 applies to:
(1) notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1551,
1575, or 1579:
(A) a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551;
(B) a basic plan under Chapter 1575; and
(C) [(2)] a primary care coverage plan under
Chapter 1579; and
(2) notwithstanding Subsection (a), an individual
health benefit plan that provides benefits for medical or surgical
expenses incurred as a result of a health condition, accident, or
sickness.
SECTION 3. Section 1355.003(a), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) This subchapter does not apply to coverage under:
(1) a blanket accident and health insurance policy, as
described by Chapter 1251;
(2) a short-term travel policy;
(3) an accident-only policy;
(4) a limited or specified-disease policy that does
not provide benefits for mental health care or similar services;
(5) except as provided by Subsection (b) or Section
1355.002(b)(1), a plan offered under Chapter 1551 or Chapter 1601;
(6) a plan offered in accordance with Section
1355.151; or
(7) a Medicare supplement benefit plan, as defined by
Section 1652.002.
SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to an individual health benefit plan or a basic coverage plan
provided under Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, beginning with the
2011-2012 plan year. A plan year before 2011-2012 is governed by
the law as it existed immediately before September 1, 2011, and that
law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.