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Senate Bill 261 |
Senate Author: Williams |
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Effective: 6-17-05 |
House Sponsor: Keffer, Bill |
Senate Bill 261 amends the Insurance Code to require the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to develop and implement a program to increase public awareness of health coverage options available in the state, to educate the public on the value of such coverage, and to provide information on coverage options, including health savings accounts and compatible high deductible health benefit plans, without favoring or endorsing any particular issuer. The bill requires TDI to develop and produce public service announcements, an Internet website, and other appropriate resources about health insurance availability; directs the commissioner of insurance to appoint a task force to make recommendations for the program; and authorizes TDI to accept donations from certain foundations and health benefit plan issuers to assist with the program's funding, with the acceptance of such donations to be governed by rules adopted by TDI after review by the Texas Ethics Commission.