The following information provides a high-level understanding of Texas House Bill 1919 and the impact to the corporate policies and procedures of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

Additional information may be obtained from the State of Texas Legislative Web site at www.capitol.state.tx.us.

The Texas Department of Insurance has not released final rules regarding the Texas House Bill 1919 requirements. BCBSTX has evaluated and adjusted policies and procedures to be in compliance with the latest understanding of the legislative requirements.

Texas House Bill 1919 (HB 1919), passed by the 80th Texas Legislature – Regular Session, applies to fully insured accounts (and portions of the bill apply to certain self-funded government accounts) and mandates

1. additional coverage for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI),
2. modified time frames for Utilization Review decisions related to ABI,
3. added coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and
4. modified definition of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to remove Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) from the list of conditions that are considered SMI. Treatment of certain PDD diagnoses are covered under the ASD mandate.

HB 1919 legislation is effective September 1, 2007, and applies only to plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on and after January 1, 2008.

How this legislation may affect you:

This legislation may affect your benefits at the time your employer enrolls or renews your group benefits. For example: If your plan’s effective date is March 1, 2008, the HB 1919 mandate may be applied to your benefits beginning on March 1, 2008.

Please check with your personnel department for more information on how this legislation may apply to your benefits.