89R9634 SCR-D
By: Hull H.B. No. 2580
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on health benefit plan coverage for certain
treatments of traumatic brain injuries.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this Act:
(1) "Department" means the Texas Department of
Insurance.
(2) "Traumatic brain injury" means an acquired injury
to the brain, including brain injuries caused by anoxia due to near
drowning. The term does not include brain dysfunction caused by
congenital or degenerative disorders or birth trauma.
(3) "Traumatic brain injury treatment" means
cognitive rehabilitation therapy, cognitive communication therapy,
neurocognitive therapy and rehabilitation, neurobehavioral,
neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and psychophysiological
testing and treatment, neurofeedback therapy, and remediation
required for and related to treatment of a traumatic brain injury.
(b) The department, in consultation with the Texas
Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council, shall conduct a study on
the effect of Chapter 1352, Insurance Code, on the coverage of
traumatic brain injury treatment by health benefit plans offered in
this state.
(c) In conducting the study, the department shall:
(1) review the number, types, and outcome of claims
made in this state for treatment of traumatic brain injuries;
(2) review the coverage offered for traumatic brain
injury treatment by health benefit plans in this state;
(3) determine the effect, if any, of substance abuse,
including opioid abuse and addiction, on traumatic brain injury
coverage and treatment in this state; and
(4) analyze the effect of any exclusions or exceptions
in health benefit plan coverage of traumatic brain injury
treatment, including exclusions for injuries caused by self-harm or
substance abuse.
(d) In conducting the study, the department may request from
a health benefit plan issuer and a health benefit plan issuer shall
provide deidentified and aggregated information on claims for
traumatic brain injuries.
(e) Not later than December 1, 2026, the department shall
submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the
house of representatives, and the chair of the standing committee
of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the
department a written report that includes:
(1) the findings of the study conducted under this
section; and
(2) any recommendations for legislative or other
action related to coverage and treatment of traumatic brain
injuries.
(f) This Act expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.