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89(R) SB 2544 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
S.B. No. 2544
AN ACT
relating to eligibility for mediation of certain out-of-network
health benefit claims.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1467.054(a), Insurance Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a)
Not later than the 180th day after the date an
out-of-network provider receives an initial payment for a health
care or medical service or supply, an
[
An
] out-of-network provider
or a health benefit plan issuer or administrator may request
mandatory mediation under this subchapter.
SECTION 2. (a) The changes in law made by this Act apply
only to a dispute regarding charges for a health care or medical
service or supply provided on or after the effective date of this
Act.
(b) A dispute regarding charges for a health care or medical
service or supply provided before the effective date of this Act is
governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date
of this Act if mediation of the dispute under Subchapter B, Chapter
1467, Insurance Code, is requested on or before the 120th day after
the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect
for that purpose.
(c) If mediation of a dispute under Subchapter B, Chapter
1467, Insurance Code, regarding charges for a health care or
medical service or supply provided before the effective date of
this Act is not requested on or before the 120th day after the
effective date of this Act, the dispute is not eligible for
mediation under that subchapter.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
______________________________
______________________________
President of the Senate
Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2544 passed the Senate on
April 30, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 26, 2025, by the
following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2544 passed the House, with
amendment, on May 9, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 135,
Nays 5, two present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor