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.