S.B. No. 896 amends the Texas Insurance Code to extend the coverage period for newborn children under certain health benefit plans from 32 days to 61 days after birth. The bill specifies that coverage for a newborn will end on the 61st day unless the health benefit plan issuer receives notice of the birth and any required additional premium by the 60th day. This change applies to multiple employer welfare arrangements, small employer health benefit plans, and large employer health benefit plans.

Additionally, the bill prohibits health benefit plans that provide maternity benefits or accident and health coverage from excluding or limiting initial coverage for newborns before the 61st day after birth. It also ensures coverage for congenital defects and the administration of newborn screening tests. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 846.258, Insurance Code 1501.157, Insurance Code 1501.607 (Insurance Code 1501, Insurance Code 846)
Senate Committee Report: Insurance Code 846.258, Insurance Code 1367.003, Insurance Code 33.019, Insurance Code 1501.607 (Insurance Code 1501, Insurance Code 33, Insurance Code 846, Insurance Code 1367)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 846.258, Insurance Code 1367.003, Insurance Code 33.019, Insurance Code 1501.607 (Insurance Code 1501, Insurance Code 33, Insurance Code 846, Insurance Code 1367)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 846.258, Insurance Code 1367.003, Insurance Code 33.019, Insurance Code 1501.607 (Insurance Code 1501, Insurance Code 33, Insurance Code 846, Insurance Code 1367)
Enrolled: Insurance Code 846.258, Insurance Code 1367.003, Insurance Code 33.019, Insurance Code 1501.607 (Insurance Code 1501, Insurance Code 33, Insurance Code 846, Insurance Code 1367)