S.B. No. 1525 amends the Texas Insurance Code to enhance prior authorization requirements for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The bill updates the heading of Subchapter N, Chapter 1369, to include coverage for "neurodegenerative diseases" alongside autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders. Additionally, it modifies Section 1369.654 by limiting health benefit plan issuers to requiring no more than one prior authorization annually for prescription drugs prescribed for autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia, or Von Willebrand disease. However, it allows issuers to require prior authorization for new prescription drugs specifically for neurodegenerative diseases.

The changes introduced by 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)
Senate Committee Report: Insurance Code 1369.654 (Insurance Code 1369, Insurance Code 551)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 1369.654 (Insurance Code 1369, Insurance Code 551)