SRC-JRN H.B. 239 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 239
By: Puente (Gallegos)
State Affairs
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, under the Texas Teacher Retirement Insurance Plan, TRS-Care,
testing for prostate cancer is not covered.  Statistics indicate that the
probability of developing prostate cancer increases in males who are more
than 50 years of age.  This bill requires the Teacher Retirement Insurance
Plan to include the prostate specific antigen test for males 50 years of
age and over. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 239 requires the Teacher Retirement Insurance Plan to
include the prostate specific antigen test for males 50 years of age and
over. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 3.50-4, Insurance Code, by adding Section 18D,
as follows: 

Sec. 18D.  PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN TEST.  Requires a health benefit plan
(plan) offered under the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance
Program to provide coverage for each male who is at least 50 years of age,
or is at least 40 years of age with a family history of prostate cancer or
another cancer risk factor, and who is enrolled in the plan for a
medically accepted prostate specific antigen test used for the detection
of prostate cancer. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective to January 1, 1998.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.