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.