81R1716 TJS-D

By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 64

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to insurance coverage for certain devices that facilitate insulin therapy and enhance glucose control in the treatment of diabetes.

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

SECTION 1. Sections 1358.051(1) and (2), Insurance Code, are amended to read as follows:

(1) "Diabetes equipment" means:

(A) blood glucose monitors, including noninvasive glucose monitors and glucose monitors designed to be used by blind individuals;

(B) insulin pumps and associated appurtenances;

(C) insulin infusion devices and devices that facilitate insulin therapy and enhance glucose control; and

(D) podiatric appliances for the prevention of complications associated with diabetes.

(2) "Diabetes supplies" means:

(A) test strips for blood glucose monitors;

(B) visual reading and urine test strips;

(C) lancets and lancet devices;

(D) insulin and insulin analogs;

(E) injection aids and devices that facilitate insulin therapy and enhance glucose control;

(F) syringes;

(G) prescriptive and nonprescriptive oral agents for controlling blood sugar levels; and

(H) glucagon emergency kits.

SECTION 2. This Act applies only to an insurance policy that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2010. A policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2010, is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.