2005 Texas Insurance Code CHAPTER 1365. LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT OF SPEECH OR HEARING

INSURANCE CODE

CHAPTER 1365. LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT OF SPEECH OR HEARING


	§ 1365.001. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER.  This chapter 
applies only to a group health benefit plan that provides hospital 
and medical coverage on an expense-incurred, service, or prepaid 
basis, including a group policy, contract, or plan that is offered 
in this state by:
		(1)  an insurer;                                                              
		(2)  a group hospital service corporation operating 
under Chapter 842;  or  
		(3)  a health maintenance organization operating under 
Chapter 843.         

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, § 3, eff. April 1, 2005.          


	§ 1365.002. APPLICABILITY OF GENERAL PROVISIONS OF OTHER 
LAW.  The provisions of Chapter 1201, including provisions 
relating to the applicability, purpose, and enforcement of that 
chapter, construction of policies under that chapter, rulemaking 
under that chapter, and definitions of terms applicable in that 
chapter, apply to this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, § 3, eff. April 1, 2005.          


	§ 1365.003. OFFER OF COVERAGE REQUIRED.  (a) A group 
health benefit plan issuer shall offer and make available under the 
plan coverage for the necessary care and treatment of loss or 
impairment of speech or hearing.
	(b)  Coverage required under this section:                                     
		(1)  may not be less favorable than coverage for 
physical illness generally under the plan;  and
		(2)  must be subject to the same durational limits, 
dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance factors as coverage for 
physical illness generally under the plan.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, § 3, eff. April 1, 2005.          


	§ 1365.004. RIGHT TO REJECT COVERAGE OR SELECT 
ALTERNATIVE COVERAGE.  An offer of coverage required under Section 
1365.003 is subject to the right of the group contract holder to 
reject the coverage or to select an alternative level of coverage 
that is offered by or negotiated with the group health benefit plan 
issuer.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, § 3, eff. April 1, 2005.