Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 2498 establishes an interim committee to study the provision of binational health benefit plan coverage. The seven-member committee consists of the commissioners of insurance and health and human services, two legislators appointed by the legislature's presiding officers, and three gubernatorial appointees representing health maintenance organizations, hospitals, and medical practitioners. The bill requires the interim committee to hold hearings in the border areas of the state to (1) determine the need for binational health benefit plan coverage; (2) assess border health care needs and how they can be served; and (3) assess the affordability, cost-effectiveness, economic impact, and improved health status achievable through binational health benefit plan coverage. The bill requires the interim committee to issue a report of findings and recommendations not later than October 1, 2002.