82R3753 TJS-D
By: Lucio, Davis S.B. No. 441
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to coverage for autism spectrum disorder under certain
health benefit plans.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1355.002(b), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1551, 1575, or
1579 or in any other law, Section 1355.015 applies to:
(1) a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551;
(2) a basic plan under Chapter 1575; and
(3) [(2)] a primary care coverage plan under Chapter
1579.
SECTION 2. Section 1355.015(a), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) At a minimum, a health benefit plan must provide
coverage as provided by this section to an enrollee who is diagnosed
with autism spectrum disorder from the date of diagnosis until the
enrollee completes 17 [nine] years of age. If an enrollee who is
being treated for autism spectrum disorder becomes 18 [10] years of
age or older and continues to need treatment, this subsection does
not preclude coverage of treatment and services described by
Subsection (b).
SECTION 3. (a) The change in law made by Section
1355.002(b), Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, applies only
to 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.
(b) The change in law made by Section 1355.015(a), Insurance
Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to a health benefit plan
that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after
September 1, 2011. A health benefit plan that is delivered, issued
for delivery, or renewed before September 1, 2011, is covered by the
law in effect at the time the health benefit plan is delivered,
issued for delivery, or renewed, and that law is continued in effect
for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2011.