Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
6 bills that modify the Insurance
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
Clarifies coverage for health insurance for hearing aids and contraception. It also clarifies how prescription drug price reduction should be applied. There are other insurance modifications being made.
6 bills that modify the Insurance
Published: 2025-12-09
Multiple short modifications
HB 109 - 5 pages
This does not cover insurance for lost wages, hospital only expenses; state Medicaid Program. It seems to cover all other health insurance options. A hearing aid that costs more than the plan coverage is not a reason for complete denial of benefits. The insurance is not required to pay more than the benefit amount.
My guess is there were complete claim denials for hearing aids because someone wanted a higher quality than the health insurance coverage benefit allowed. Now they can get the higher quality one and merely pay the difference in the cost.
HB 290 - 5 pages
This is for entities that provide employer welfare arrangements through multiple employers pooling benefits rather than using insurance. They are being bound by the same rules.
HB 755 - 5 pages
This does not cover insurance for lost wages, hospital only expenses; state Medicaid Program; a child health plan; or a plan issued before March 23, 2010 without any significant changes since. It seems to cover all other health insurance options.
An insured need only receive 1 prior authorization per year for prescription drugs to treat an autoimmune disease, hemophilia, or Van Willebrand disease. This does not cover opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol; nor drugs that generally are used for less than 12 months; drugs that have box warnings and have specific assessment requirements; or off label use.
Most worrisome would be the off label use, only because so many medications are used in that manner. However, it is not like they are being given the right to deny.
HB 916 - 4 pages
Coverage for contraceptives must permit obtaining up to a 3 month supply at one time and a 12 month supply at one time. Only one 12 month supply is permitted in a 12 month period.
Surprised a law was needed for this. I remember many, many years ago that was my health insurance companies preferred method. My how insurance has changed - and not for the better.
HB 998 - 7 pages
Permits the commission to provide property owners' association insurance for underserved areas of Texas.
HB 999 - 3 pages
This provides that certain payments, or reduction in cost, for prescription drugs be applied to the insureds deductible. If the prescription drug has no equivalent, or has an equivalent but it was approved or an exception was made for it.
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