BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 182
                                                       By: Rosson
                                             Economic Development
                                                         04-12-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

The American College of Clinical Pathologists estimates that 50
percent of all women have clinically evident fibrocystic breasts,
and autopsies reveal that 90 percent have some degree of
fibrocystic disease.  Despite these statistics, women are being
denied insurance coverage upon diagnosis.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 182 prohibits insurers, when issuing health
insurance policies, from discriminating against women with
fibrocystic breast conditions.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 21B, Insurance Code, by adding Article
21.21-6, as follows:

     Art.  21.21-6.  FIBROCYSTIC BREAST CONDITIONS.  (a) Defines
     "insurer."
     
     (b) Prohibits an insurer from denying coverage, refusing to
       renew an insurance policy, cancelling an insurance policy,
       limiting the coverage, or charging a different rate for
       equal coverage of an individual who has been diagnosed with
       or has a history of a fibrocystic breast condition.
       
       (c) Provides that an insurer who violates this article
       commits an unfair and deceptive practice as defined by
       Article 21.21 of this code and is subject to penalties under
       that article.
       
       SECTION 2.  Amends Section 14(b), Article 20A.14(b), V.T.C.S., as
follows:

     (b) Makes Article 21.21-6, Insurance Code, among others,
     applicable to health maintenance organizations that offer both
     basic and single health care coverage and plans, except to the
     extent that the commissioner determines provisions of the
     article are inappropriate.
       SECTION 3.   Effective date: September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this act prospective beginning
January 1, 1996.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.