This alert discusses Texas Senate Bill 896 (SB 896), signed into law on June 20, 2025. SB 896 amends the current Texas insurance code to extend the enrollment period for a participant’s newborn's continued coverage beyond the automatic coverage period, from 32 days to 61 days following the date of birth.
This Alert is relevant for fully insured individual and group health plans issued out of or renewed in the state of Texas, Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) with participants in the state of Texas, and other non-ERISA group health plans subject to Texas insurance law (i.e., self-insured, Texas school district plans). SB 896 is effective for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
