SRC-JBJ S.B. 881 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 881
By: Jackson
Economic Development
7/23/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, the enrollment period for an employer health benefit plan must
consist of an entire calendar month and begin its enrollment period on the
first day of the month and end on the last day of the month.  The
enrollment period places a burden on an employer to properly communicate
information to employees.  The requirement also hinders the employee's
ability to obtain enrollment information and forward their eligibility
information to insurance carriers.  S.B. 881 will require the enrollment
period to consist of at least 31 consecutive days, but permit the period to
not coincide with the beginning and end of a calendar month. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 881 changes the enrollment period of an employer health
benefit plan. 

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 26.83(f), Insurance Code, to delete requirements
regarding the participation criteria of employees enrolled in health
benefit plans in an enrollment period. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.