Texas House Bill HB592

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the definition of serious mental illness for purposes of certain group health benefit plans.

Impact

The changes stipulated by HB592 would have a direct impact on insurance coverage policies related to mental health. By defining serious mental illnesses explicitly, the bill could potentially enhance the access to necessary treatments for individuals suffering from these conditions. Health benefit plans would be required to align their coverage with the updated definitions, which could result in increased support for patients seeking mental health care.

Summary

House Bill 592 aims to update and clarify the definition of 'serious mental illness' as it pertains to group health benefit plans in Texas. The bill specifies various psychiatric conditions recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, such as bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder, among others. This inclusion ensures that recognized mental health disorders are adequately covered under health benefit plans, providing clearer parameters for patient eligibility and care provisions.

Contention

While the bill introduces necessary updates for mental health definitions in insurance policies, there could be contention surrounding its implementation. Stakeholders may debate whether the defined conditions adequately represent the range of mental health issues affected individuals face. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the implications of these definitions on coverage costs and the potential need for increased funding for mental health services to meet the anticipated rise in demand for care following these changes.