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.