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.