H.B. No. 2150 amends various sections of the Texas Insurance Code to enhance telephone access for health benefit plan verifications, preauthorization requests, and utilization review requests. The bill mandates that health maintenance organizations and insurers must provide personnel at a toll-free number available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including legal holidays, to respond to these requests. The previous requirement for availability only during specific hours on weekdays and limited hours on weekends has been removed. Additionally, the bill requires these organizations to have a telephone system capable of accepting or recording calls when personnel are unavailable and to respond to calls as soon as possible, but no later than two hours after the call is received.

The bill also specifies that utilization review agents must maintain similar availability and response protocols. The changes aim to improve access to necessary health care verifications and authorizations, ensuring that individuals can receive timely assistance regardless of the time or day. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 843.347, Insurance Code 843.348, Insurance Code 1301.133, Insurance Code 1301.135, Insurance Code 4201.004 (Insurance Code 4201, Insurance Code 1301, Insurance Code 843)