81R2371 PB-D
 
  By: Allen H.B. No. 451
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to health benefit plan coverage for autism spectrum
  disorder.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Sections 1355.015(a) and (e), Insurance Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  At a minimum, a health benefit plan must provide
  coverage as provided by this section to an enrollee at least [older
  than] two years of age and younger than 18 [six] years of age who is
  diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.  [If an enrollee who is
  being treated for autism spectrum disorder becomes six years of age
  or older and continues to need treatment, this subsection does not
  preclude coverage of treatment and services described by Subsection
  (b).]
         (e)  Notwithstanding any other law, this section applies
  [does not apply] to a standard health benefit plan provided under
  Chapter 1507.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to a health benefit plan
  delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1,
  2010. A health benefit plan delivered, issued for delivery, or
  renewed before January 1, 2010, 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 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.