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, specifically including basic coverage plans under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601. It introduces new provisions that ensure compliance with treatment limitations and mandates that coverage for mental health and substance use disorders is not less favorable than that for physical illnesses. Additionally, the bill prohibits lifetime limitations on coverage for these conditions.

The legislation also repeals certain existing provisions that may limit coverage and clarifies the enforcement responsibilities of trustees and boards regarding compliance with the new requirements. Notably, the changes will only apply to health benefit plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, while plans renewed before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 1551, Insurance Code 1355)
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 1551, Insurance Code 1368, Insurance Code 1355)