TITLE: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

SUMMARY: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 1355.015(a), Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) At a minimum, a health benefit plan must provide coverage as provided by this section to an enrollee who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder from the date of diagnosis until the enrollee completes 17 [nine] years of age. If an enrollee who is being treated for autism spectrum disorder becomes 18 [10] years of age or older and continues to need treatment, this subsection does not preclude coverage of treatment and services described by Subsection (b). SECTION 2. 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 the effective date of this Act. A health benefit plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect at the time the health benefit plan is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.