Relating to health benefit plan coverage for treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

SB 563 requires health insurance plans in Texas to cover medically necessary treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for enrollees diagnosed before their 10th birthday. The bill defines ASD to include diagnoses under current or previous diagnostic standards (like Asperger's or PDD-NOS) and specifies that "medically necessary" care must address patient needs, prevent regression, and follow evidence-based clinical standards. It mandates coverage for treatments meeting these criteria, including behavioral therapies and related services, while excluding services primarily for economic benefit or convenience. This directly affects children and families enrolled in Texas health benefit plans who receive an ASD diagnosis prior to age 10.