Relating to a study on health benefit plan coverage for certain treatments of traumatic brain injuries.

89(R) HB 2580 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R9634 SCR-D

By: Hull

H.B. No. 2580

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study on health benefit plan coverage for certain

treatments of traumatic brain injuries.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this Act:

(1) "Department" means the Texas Department of

Insurance.

(2) "Traumatic brain injury" means an acquired injury

to the brain, including brain injuries caused by anoxia due to near

drowning. The term does not include brain dysfunction caused by

congenital or degenerative disorders or birth trauma.

(3) "Traumatic brain injury treatment" means

cognitive rehabilitation therapy, cognitive communication therapy,

neurocognitive therapy and rehabilitation, neurobehavioral,

neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and psychophysiological

testing and treatment, neurofeedback therapy, and remediation

required for and related to treatment of a traumatic brain injury.

(b) The department, in consultation with the Texas

Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council, shall conduct a study on

the effect of Chapter 1352, Insurance Code, on the coverage of

traumatic brain injury treatment by health benefit plans offered in

this state.

(c) In conducting the study, the department shall:

(1) review the number, types, and outcome of claims

made in this state for treatment of traumatic brain injuries;

(2) review the coverage offered for traumatic brain

injury treatment by health benefit plans in this state;

(3) determine the effect, if any, of substance abuse,

including opioid abuse and addiction, on traumatic brain injury

coverage and treatment in this state; and

(4) analyze the effect of any exclusions or exceptions

in health benefit plan coverage of traumatic brain injury

treatment, including exclusions for injuries caused by self-harm or

substance abuse.

(d) In conducting the study, the department may request from

a health benefit plan issuer and a health benefit plan issuer shall

provide deidentified and aggregated information on claims for

traumatic brain injuries.

(e) Not later than December 1, 2026, the department shall

submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the

house of representatives, and the chair of the standing committee

of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the

department a written report that includes:

(1) the findings of the study conducted under this

section; and

(2) any recommendations for legislative or other

action related to coverage and treatment of traumatic brain

injuries.

(f) This Act expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.