SRC-JXG C.S.H.B. 2748 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2748
By: Smithee (Sibley)
Economic Development
5/13/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, state and federal laws require all newborns to be tested for
certain treatable genetic and metabolic disorders.  This testing is known
as "well-child care from birth" and health care plans are responsible for
providing payment for such examinations.  Until 1998, reimbursement for
Newborn Screening (NBS) for all children was the responsibility of the
Texas Department of Health (TDH); however, in early 1998, TDH imposed a fee
on private pay patients under a rider relating to the building of its new
laboratory.  C.S.H.B. 2748 would set forth provisions regarding coverage
for certain care for children provided through certain health benefit
plans. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 2748 sets forth provisions regarding coverage for
certain care for children provided through certain health benefit plans. 

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 Chapter 20A, Insurance Code (Texas Health Maintenance
Organization Act), by adding Section 9E, as follows: 

Sec. 9E. WELL-CHILD CARE FROM BIRTH.  Defines "well-child care from birth."
Requires each health maintenance organization (HMO) to ensure that each
health care plan provided by HMO includes well-child care from birth that
complies with the federal requirements adopted under Chapter XI, Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 300e et seq.), and its subsequent
amendments, and the rules adopted by the Texas Department of Health (TDH). 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 3(a), Article 21.53F, Insurance Code, as added by
Chapter 683, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, to
require a health benefit plan that provides benefits for  a family member
of the insured to provide coverage for each covered child described by
Subsection (b) of this section, from birth through the date the child is
six years of age, for immunization against rotavirus, and any other
immunization that is required by statute or rule for the child. 

SECTION 3. Effective date:  immediately, except as provided by SECTION 4 of
this Act. 

SECTION 4. Effective date for SECTION 2:  September 1, 1999.
           Makes application of this Act prospective to January 1, 2000.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.