TITLE: Relating to health benefit coverage for chemical dependency.

SUMMARY: Relating to health benefit coverage for chemical dependency.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to health benefit coverage for chemical dependency. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 1368.004(a), Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A group health benefit plan shall provide coverage for the necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency,including outpatient rehabilitation.SECTION 2. Chapter 1368, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1368.009 to read as follows: Sec. 1368.009. PROHIBITED CONSEQUENCE OF CLAIMS. An employer that provides group health benefit coverage subject to this chapter may not terminate an employee solely based on the employee filing a claim for the benefits. SECTION 3. This Act applies only to a health benefit plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2020. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.