H.B. No. 2557 aims to amend the Texas Insurance Code regarding prior authorization for prescription drug benefits specifically for chronic health conditions. The bill updates the heading of Subchapter N, Chapter 1369, to reflect the broader category of "Chronic Health Conditions," replacing the previous focus on autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders. It introduces a definition for "chronic health condition," which encompasses illnesses or impairments expected to last at least one year and that require ongoing medical attention or limit daily living activities. Additionally, the bill specifies that health benefit plan issuers cannot require more than one prior authorization annually for prescription drugs prescribed to treat these chronic conditions, which now include autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, neurodegenerative diseases, and Von Willebrand disease.

The changes outlined in this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to health benefit plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Plans that are delivered or renewed before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law prior to the enactment of this bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1369.651, Insurance Code 551.003 (Insurance Code 1369, Insurance Code 551)