The bill, S.B. No. 1142, aims to amend the Texas Insurance Code by prohibiting health benefit plan issuers from requiring preauthorization for various medical services and treatments. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that prevent preauthorization for screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, reconstructive surgeries, diabetes equipment and supplies, bone mass measurements, and diagnostic examinations for enrolled males. Each of these provisions includes a clarification that they do not authorize healthcare providers to deliver care outside their licensed scope.

The bill also establishes that these changes will apply only to health benefit plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative effort seeks to streamline access to essential health services and reduce administrative barriers for patients seeking necessary medical care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1356.005, Insurance Code 1357.004, Insurance Code 1357.054, Insurance Code 1358.054, Insurance Code 1361.003, Insurance Code 1362.003, Insurance Code 1363.003 (Insurance Code 1361, Insurance Code 1363, Insurance Code 1362, Insurance Code 1357, Insurance Code 1358, Insurance Code 1356)