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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to group health benefit plan coverage for speech, |
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language, or hearing impairments. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 1365.003, Insurance Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 1365.003. [OFFER OF] COVERAGE REQUIRED. (a) A group |
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health benefit plan issuer shall provide [offer and make available
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under the plan] coverage for the necessary care and treatment of |
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loss or impairment of speech, language, or hearing. |
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(b) Coverage required under this section: |
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(1) may not be less favorable than coverage for |
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physical illness generally under the plan; and |
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(2) must be subject to the same durational limits, |
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dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance factors as coverage for |
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physical illness generally under the plan. |
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SECTION 2. Section 1365.004, Insurance Code, is repealed. |
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SECTION 3. This Act applies only to an insurance policy or |
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contract or evidence of coverage that is delivered, issued for |
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delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2010. An insurance |
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policy or contract or evidence of coverage delivered, issued for |
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delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2010, is governed by the law |
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as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and |
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that law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |