H.B. No. 2371




AN ACT
relating to the use of acupuncturists as health care providers under certain health benefit plans. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 843, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 843.3041 to read as follows: Sec. 843.3041. ACUPUNCTURIST SERVICES. (a) A health maintenance organization that includes acupuncture in the services covered by the organization's health care plan may not refuse to provide reimbursement for the performance of a covered acupuncture service solely because the service is performed by an acupuncturist. (b) This section does not require a health maintenance organization to offer acupuncture as a covered service. SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 1301, Insurance Code, as effective April 1, 2005, is amended by adding Section 1301.0515 to read as follows: Sec. 1301.0515. ACUPUNCTURIST SERVICES. (a) An insurer offering a preferred provider benefit plan that includes acupuncture in the services covered by the plan may not refuse to provide reimbursement for the performance of a covered acupuncture service solely because the service is provided by an acupuncturist. (b) This section does not require an insurer to offer acupuncture as a covered service. SECTION 3. This Act applies only to an insurance policy, certificate, or contract or an evidence of coverage delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2006. A policy, certificate, or contract or evidence of coverage delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2006, is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2371 was passed by the House on May 13, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2371 was passed by the Senate on May 23, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor