H.B. No. 1142 aims to enhance coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders under certain governmental health benefit plans in Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Insurance Code to clarify the applicability of coverage requirements. Notably, it specifies that the subchapter applies to basic coverage plans under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601, while also detailing exceptions for certain types of insurance policies, such as blanket accident and health insurance and short-term travel policies. Additionally, the bill introduces new compliance measures for evaluating benefits and coverage related to mental health treatment limitations.

Key amendments include the prohibition of lifetime limitations on coverage for mental health services and the requirement that coverage for mental health conditions must be at least as favorable as that for physical illnesses. The bill also repeals certain existing provisions that may limit coverage for mental health conditions. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255 (Insurance Code 1355)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255, Insurance Code 1551.205 (Insurance Code 1355, Insurance Code 1551)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255, Insurance Code 1368.002, Insurance Code 1368.005, Insurance Code 1368.006, Insurance Code 1551.205 (Insurance Code 1355, Insurance Code 1368, Insurance Code 1551)