Relating to health benefit plan coverage for conversion therapy.
The bill is a significant step toward reinforcing protections against practices that many view as harmful and discriminatory. By eliminating coverage for conversion therapy, HB2784 aligns Texas laws with a growing trend across the country to ban such practices, reflecting a broader understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity as core aspects of personal identity. The implications of this bill will be particularly profound for LGBTQ+ individuals, as it seeks to safeguard their right to healthcare without the risk of being subjected to exclusionary practices.
House Bill 2784 seeks to prohibit health benefit plans from covering conversion therapy. This act aims to protect individuals from being subjected to practices that seek to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill defines conversion therapy explicitly and outlines the types of health benefit plans that will be affected by this prohibition. It covers various insurance types, including individual and group policies, and extends to include coverage provided under Medicaid and other government-sponsored health programs starting in 2026.
However, the discussions surrounding HB2784 are likely to stir contention, as advocates for conversion therapy may argue for its supposed benefits. Supporters of the bill, including various LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, contend that conversion therapy is harmful and has no scientific basis. Conversely, some religious and conservative groups may oppose the bill, viewing it as an infringement on personal liberties and parental rights. The balancing of these differing viewpoints will play a crucial role in the legislative process as the bill moves forward in Texas.