HB2580 - Relating to a study on health benefit plan coverage for certain treatments of traumatic brain injuries.

  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.