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.

The legislation also prohibits lifetime limitations on coverage for mental health services and ensures that coverage for these services is not less favorable than that for physical illnesses. It repeals certain existing provisions that may limit coverage and establishes that the changes will apply to health benefit plans delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, thereby allowing time for the necessary adjustments in health benefit plans.

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 1551, Insurance Code 1368)