SUBCHAPTER F.  HEARING AIDS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Sec. 1367.251.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  (a)  This subchapter applies only to a health benefit plan, including a small employer health benefit plan written under Chapter 1501 or coverage provided through a health group cooperative under Subchapter B of that chapter, that provides benefits for medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of a health condition, accident, or sickness, including an individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy or insurance agreement, a group hospital service contract, or an individual or group evidence of coverage or similar coverage document that is offered by:
(1)  an insurance company;
(2)  a group hospital service corporation operating under Chapter 842;
(3)  a fraternal benefit society operating under Chapter 885;
(4)  a Lloyd's plan operating under Chapter 941;
(5)  a stipulated premium insurance company operating under Chapter 884;
(6)  a reciprocal exchange operating under Chapter 942;
(7)  a health maintenance organization operating under Chapter 843;
(8)  a multiple employer welfare arrangement that holds a certificate of authority under Chapter 846; or
(9)  an approved nonprofit health corporation that holds a certificate of authority under Chapter 844.
(b)  This subchapter applies to coverage under a group health benefit plan described by Subsection (a) provided to a resident of this state, regardless of whether the group policy, agreement, or contract is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed within or outside this state.
(c)  This subchapter applies to a self-funded health benefit plan sponsored by a professional employer organization under Chapter 91, Labor Code.
(d)  Notwithstanding Section 22.409, Business Organizations Code, or any other law, this subchapter applies to health benefits provided by or through a church benefits board under Subchapter I, Chapter 22, Business Organizations Code.
(e)  Notwithstanding Section 75.104, Health and Safety Code, or any other law, this subchapter applies to a regional or local health care program operated under that section.
(f)  Notwithstanding any other law, a standard health benefit plan provided under Chapter 1507 must provide the coverage required by this subchapter.
(g)  Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1551, 1575, 1579, or 1601 or any other law, this subchapter applies to:
(1)  a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551;
(2)  a basic plan under Chapter 1575;
(3)  a primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579; and
(4)  basic coverage under Chapter 1601.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 979 (H.B. 490), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.