H.B. No. 2290 amends the Texas Insurance Code to establish regulations for health benefits offered by postsecondary educational institutions to students and their families. The bill introduces a new Chapter 1683, which defines "higher education health benefits" as those sponsored by a postsecondary institution and available only to enrolled students and their family members. It specifies that these benefits are not provided through traditional insurance policies and must be deemed important by the institution for promoting the well-being of students and their families. Additionally, the bill allows institutions to offer these benefits without mandating student enrollment and limits waiting periods for preexisting conditions to a maximum of six months.

The legislation also outlines requirements for transparency and compliance, including a mandate for institutions to provide written notice to applicants that the benefits are not regulated as insurance. Institutions must register with the relevant department and maintain actuarial soundness in administering these benefits. The bill clarifies that postsecondary institutions offering these health benefits are not considered health insurers under Texas law, thus exempting them from certain insurance regulations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1275.002 (Insurance Code 1275)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 1275.002 (Insurance Code 1275)