autism coverage list adds developmental relationship-based intervention

The text as introduced · 188 words

89R15431 SCR-D

By: Menéndez
S.B. No. 1678

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain treatments

prescribed for autism spectrum disorder.

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

SECTION 1. Section 1355.015(c), Insurance Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(c) For purposes of Subsection (b), "generally recognized

services" may include services such as:

(1) evaluation and assessment services;

(2) applied behavior analysis;

(3) behavior training and behavior management;

(4) speech therapy;

(5) occupational therapy;

(6) physical therapy; [ or ]

(7) developmental relationship-based intervention; or

(8) medications or nutritional supplements used to

address symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

a health benefit plan delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on

or after January 1, 2026. A health benefit plan 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 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.