81(R) HB 451

posted 3/23/2009

Introduced version - Bill Text 81R2371 PB-D

By: AllenH.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.