bill extends newborn enrollment to 60 days

The text as introduced · 368 words

89R1818 CJD-D

By: Cole
H.B. No. 1101

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the enrollment period for newborns under certain

employer health benefit plans.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 846.258(b), Insurance Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b) Coverage of a newborn child of a participating employee

under this section ends on the 61st [ 32nd ] day after the date of the

child's birth unless:

(1) children are eligible for coverage under the

multiple employer welfare arrangement's plan document; and

(2) not later than the 60th [ 31st ] day after the date

of birth, the arrangement receives:

(A) notice of the birth; and

(B) any required additional premium.

SECTION 2. Section 1501.157(b), Insurance Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b) Coverage of a newborn child of a covered employee under

this section ends on the 61st [ 32nd ] day after the date of the

child's birth unless, not later than the 60th [ 31st ] day after the

date of birth, the small employer health benefit plan issuer

receives:

(1) notice of the birth; and

(2) any required additional premium.

SECTION 3. Section 1501.607(b), Insurance Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b) Coverage of a newborn child of a covered employee under

this section ends on the 61st [ 32nd ] day after the date of the

child's birth unless:

(1) children are eligible for coverage under the large

employer health benefit plan; and

(2) not later than the 60th [ 31st ] day after the date

of birth, the large employer health benefit plan issuer receives:

(A) notice of the birth; and

(B) any required additional premium.

SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only

to a health benefit plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, or

renewed on or after January 1, 2026. A health benefit plan that is

delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2026,

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 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.