SRC-JXG S.B. 1381 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1381 76R7477 PB-DBy: Shapleigh Border Affairs - Special 4/14/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not provide a binational health benefit plan. S.B. 1381 creates a pilot program to operate a health benefit plan in the United States and the United Mexican States. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1381 establishes a pilot program to operate a health benefit plan in two counties. 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 26B, Insurance Code, by adding Article 26.155, as follows: Art. 26.155. PILOT PROGRAM. Defines "Texas Insurance Purchasing Alliance" (TIPA). Requires TIPA to establish a pilot program to operate a health benefit plan in two counties of this state that border the United Mexican States to increase private health insurance coverage for employees of small employers. Requires TIPA to identify groups of small employers who are unable to offer health coverage to their employees because the employers are unable to meet minimum requirements for participation in a small employer health benefit plan under this chapter, to determine sites for the operation of the program. Authorizes TIPA to contract directly with one or more provider networks to provide health care services to enrollees in the health benefit plan operated by the pilot program. Provides that Article 26.15(c) of this subchapter does not apply to the pilot program. Provides that Article 26.13(h) of this subchapter applies to the operation of the pilot program established under this article. Provides that this article expires and the pilot program is abolished August 31, 2004. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.