SRC-JBJ S.B. 881 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 881 76R1094 AJA-FBy: Jackson Economic Development 3/21/1999 As Filed 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 would 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 proposed, 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.