89R9520 SCF-D
By: Simmons H.B. No. 2477
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to coverage for doula services under certain group benefit
plans for governmental employees and retirees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1551.232 to read as follows:
Sec. 1551.232. COVERAGE FOR DOULA SERVICES. (a) In this
section, "doula services" means nonmedical childbirth education,
coaching, and support services, including emotional and physical
support provided during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the
postpartum period, or provided intermittently during pregnancy and
the postpartum period.
(b) A health benefit plan provided under the group benefits
program must provide coverage for doula services.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 1575, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1575.175 to read as follows:
Sec. 1575.175. COVERAGE FOR DOULA SERVICES. (a) In this
section, "doula services" means nonmedical childbirth education,
coaching, and support services, including emotional and physical
support provided during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the
postpartum period, or provided intermittently during pregnancy and
the postpartum period.
(b) A basic plan provided under the group program must
provide coverage for doula services.
SECTION 3. Subchapter C, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1579.113 to read as follows:
Sec. 1579.113. COVERAGE FOR DOULA SERVICES. (a) In this
section, "doula services" means nonmedical childbirth education,
coaching, and support services, including emotional and physical
support provided during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the
postpartum period, or provided intermittently during pregnancy and
the postpartum period.
(b) A health coverage plan provided under this chapter must
provide coverage for doula services.
SECTION 4. Subchapter C, Chapter 1601, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1601.112 to read as follows:
Sec. 1601.112. COVERAGE FOR DOULA SERVICES. (a) In this
section, "doula services" means nonmedical childbirth education,
coaching, and support services, including emotional and physical
support provided during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the
postpartum period, or provided intermittently during pregnancy and
the postpartum period.
(b) A health benefit plan provided under this chapter must
provide coverage for doula services.
SECTION 5. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a plan year that commences on or after January 1, 2026.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.