SBW H.B. 239 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS
H.B. 239
By: Puente
3-26-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Under the Texas Teacher Retirement Insurance Plan, TRS-Care, testing for
prostate cancer is not covered under the current plan.  Statistics prove
the probability of developing prostate cancer dramatically increases in
males more than 50 years of age. 


PURPOSE

H.B. 239 will require the Texas Teacher Retirement Insurance Plan,
TRS-Care, to include the Prostate Specific Antigen Test for males 50 and
older.  The test is used for the detection of prostate cancer.  With early
detection, lives can be saved, as well as expenses to all parties
involved. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Act
(Article 3.50-4, Insurance Code) by adding Section 18D  PROSTATE SPECIFIC
ANTIGEN TEST to provide for a medically accepted prostate specific antigen
test to be provided under coverage for each male who is at least 50 years
of age or older under the health benefit program. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date is September 1, 1997 for coverage that is
delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 1998.
The law which existed immediately before the effective date of this Act
governs coverage delivered, issued, or renewed before January 1, 1998.  

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause.