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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to health benefit plan coverage for autism spectrum |
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disorder under certain health benefit plans. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter A, Chapter 1355, |
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Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER A. [GROUP HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN] COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN |
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SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES AND OTHER DISORDERS |
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SECTION 2. Section 1355.002(b), Insurance Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(b) [Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1575 or 1579
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or any other law,] Section 1355.015 applies to: |
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(1) notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1551, |
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1575, or 1579: |
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(A) a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551; |
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(B) a basic plan under Chapter 1575; and |
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(C) [(2)] a primary care coverage plan under |
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Chapter 1579; and |
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(2) notwithstanding Subsection (a), an individual |
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health benefit plan that provides benefits for medical or surgical |
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expenses incurred as a result of a health condition, accident, or |
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sickness. |
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SECTION 3. Section 1355.003(a), Insurance Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(a) This subchapter does not apply to coverage under: |
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(1) a blanket accident and health insurance policy, as |
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described by Chapter 1251; |
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(2) a short-term travel policy; |
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(3) an accident-only policy; |
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(4) a limited or specified-disease policy that does |
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not provide benefits for mental health care or similar services; |
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(5) except as provided by Subsection (b) or Section |
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1355.002(b)(1), a plan offered under Chapter 1551 or Chapter 1601; |
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(6) a plan offered in accordance with Section |
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1355.151; or |
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(7) a Medicare supplement benefit plan, as defined by |
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Section 1652.002. |
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SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only |
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to an individual health benefit plan or a basic coverage plan |
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provided under Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, beginning with the |
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2011-2012 plan year. A plan year before 2011-2012 is governed by |
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the law as it existed immediately before September 1, 2011, and that |
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law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |