Relating to health benefit plan coverage for treatment of autism.

SB 562 requires Texas health benefit plans to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) starting from the date of diagnosis, without age restrictions for initial coverage. It mandates coverage for therapies like applied behavior analysis (ABA), but limits annual ABA coverage for enrollees aged 10 or older to $36,000 per year. The bill directly affects individuals diagnosed with ASD, including children and adults, by expanding insurance coverage for treatment. It applies to health plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The law defines ASD to include diagnoses like autism, Asperger's syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder using current diagnostic standards.