S.B. No. 636 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, specifically Section 1355.002(b), which now includes additional types of plans that must comply with the subchapter, such as basic coverage plans under Chapters 1551 and 1601, and a primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579. It also clarifies that certain plans, including blanket accident and health insurance policies and short-term travel policies, are exempt from these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces compliance measures for evaluating health benefit plans regarding treatment limitations for mental health and substance use disorders. It specifies that the applicable trustees or boards must ensure compliance with these standards. The legislation also repeals a previous provision in Section 1355.003(b) and modifies Section 1551.205 to prevent coverage limitations for serious mental illnesses compared to physical illnesses. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to plan years commencing 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)
Senate 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)