H.B. No. 1142 aims to enhance coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders under certain governmental health benefit plans in Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Insurance Code to clarify that specific chapters, including Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601, are subject to the provisions of this subchapter. It also specifies that certain types of insurance policies, such as blanket accident and health insurance, short-term travel policies, and limited disease policies, are exempt from these coverage requirements. Additionally, the bill introduces new compliance measures for evaluating health benefit plans regarding treatment limitations for mental health and substance use disorders.

Key amendments include the prohibition of lifetime limitations on coverage for mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that such coverage is not less favorable than that for physical illnesses. The bill also repeals certain existing provisions that may limit coverage and clarifies that the changes will apply to health benefit plans delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, allowing for a transition period for health plans to adjust to the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255 (Insurance Code 1355)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255, Insurance Code 1551.205 (Insurance Code 1551, Insurance Code 1355)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 1355.002, Insurance Code 1355.003, Insurance Code 1355.015, Insurance Code 1355.252, Insurance Code 1355.255, Insurance Code 1368.002, Insurance Code 1368.005, Insurance Code 1368.006, Insurance Code 1551.205 (Insurance Code 1551, Insurance Code 1368, Insurance Code 1355)