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Bill

SB 562

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for treatment of autism.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by José Menéndez

SB 562 would expand Texas health insurance requirements for autism treatment coverage, potentially increasing access to therapies while raising premium costs for insurers.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#autism&pervasivedevelopmentaldisorders(s0566) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #insurance--health&accident(i0422)
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Bill Summary · SB 562

Legislative bill overview

SB 562 addresses health benefit plan coverage requirements for autism treatment services in Texas. The bill, introduced by Senator José Menéndez, appears designed to expand or clarify insurance coverage mandates for autism-related therapies and interventions. As of February 2025, the bill has been referred to the Health & Human Services Committee for review.

Why this is important

Autism treatment—particularly early intervention therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy—can be expensive and often faces insurance coverage limitations or denials. Clarifying or expanding coverage requirements directly affects affordability for Texas families with autistic children and determines which treatments insurers must fund. This impacts both family finances and access to evidence-based interventions during critical developmental windows.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Mandating broader coverage could increase health insurance premiums across the market, potentially affecting all policyholders
  • Scope and definition disputes: Disagreement over which treatments qualify as medically necessary autism care (coverage could extend to various therapies with varying evidence bases)
  • Age and duration limits: Questions about whether coverage extends to adults, has lifetime caps, or includes ongoing maintenance therapy versus just initial treatment phases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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