Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain biomarker testing.

HB 5178 requires Texas health benefit plans to cover specific biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases - including post-transplant care - when supported by evidence such as FDA approvals, Medicare guidelines, or clinical standards. It directly affects health insurers and patients enrolled in plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law mandates coverage only for tests meeting one of five evidence-based criteria (e.g., FDA-approved tests or nationally recognized guidelines) and allows state agencies to delay implementation if federal waivers are needed. Plans in effect before January 2026 remain governed by prior law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with coverage changes applying to new/renewed plans starting 2026.