1. (a) This chapter applies only to a health benefit plan, including a small employer health benefit plan written under Chapter 1501 or coverage provided by a health group cooperative under Subchapter B of that chapter, that provides benefits for medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of a health condition, accident, or sickness, including an individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy or insurance agreement, a group hospital service contract, or an individual or group evidence of coverage or similar coverage document that is offered by:

   1. (1) an insurance company;
   2. (2) a group hospital service corporation operating under Chapter 842;
   3. (3) a fraternal benefit society operating under Chapter 885;
   4. (4) a stipulated premium company operating under Chapter 884;
   5. (5) a reciprocal exchange operating under Chapter 942;
   6. (6) a Lloyd's plan operating under Chapter 941;
   7. (7) a health maintenance organization operating under Chapter 843;
   8. (8) a multiple employer welfare arrangement that holds a certificate of authority under Chapter 846; or
   9. (9) an approved nonprofit health corporation that holds a certificate of authority under Chapter 844.

2. (b) Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1551, 1575, 1579, or 1601 or any other law, this chapter applies to:

   1. (1) a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551;
   2. (2) a basic plan under Chapter 1575;
   3. (3) a primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579; and
   4. (4) basic coverage under Chapter 1601.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 30 (H.B. 806), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.