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, specifically Section 1355.002(b), which now includes additional types of plans that must comply with the subchapter, such as basic coverage plans under Chapters 1551, 1575, and 1601, as well as primary care coverage plans under Chapter 1579. It also clarifies that certain types of policies, such as blanket accident and health insurance and limited disease policies, are exempt from these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces compliance measures for evaluating health benefit plans regarding treatment limitations for mental health and substance use disorders. It specifies that the applicable trustees or boards must ensure compliance with these standards. The changes will take effect for plan years commencing on or after January 1, 2026, with the existing laws remaining in effect for earlier plan years. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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)