|
Senate Bill 1057 |
Senate Author: Nelson |
|
Effective: 6-14-13 |
House Sponsor: Zerwas |
Senate Bill 1057 amends the Health and Safety Code to prohibit the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) from providing health or mental health benefits, services, or assistance provided by DSHS that DSHS anticipates will be impacted by a health insurance exchange unless the individual applying to receive the benefits, services, or assistance submits on the form prescribed by DSHS a statement attesting that the individual does not have access to private health care insurance that provides coverage for the benefit, service, or assistance. Alternatively, if the individual has access to private health care insurance that provides coverage for the benefit, service, or assistance, the bill requires the individual to submit on the form the information and authorization necessary for DSHS to submit a claim for reimbursement from the insurer. The bill authorizes DSHS to waive the prohibition if DSHS determines that a benefit, service, or assistance is necessary during a crisis or emergency.
Senate Bill 1057 authorizes DSHS to develop informational materials regarding health care insurance coverage and subsidies available under a health insurance exchange. The bill requires DSHS to provide the informational materials to an individual or the individual's legally authorized representative who applies to receive applicable health or mental health benefits, services, or assistance and who has an income above 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules necessary to implement the bill's provisions.