By Averitt H.B. No. 1211
76R5402 DLF-F
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to health maintenance organization plans for small
1-3 employers.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Article 26.48(a), Insurance Code, is amended to
1-6 read as follows:
1-7 (a) A [Instead of the small employer health benefit plans
1-8 described by this subchapter, a] health maintenance organization
1-9 may offer:
1-10 (1) a state-approved health benefit plan that complies
1-11 with this chapter, the Texas Health Maintenance Organization Act
1-12 (Chapter 20A, Vernon's Texas Insurance Code), [the requirements of]
1-13 Title XIII, Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 300e et
1-14 seq.), and its subsequent amendments, and rules adopted under these
1-15 laws [that Act];
1-16 (2) a plan developed by the commissioner under Article
1-17 26.44A of this code and additional benefit riders to the plan; or
1-18 (3) a point-of-service contract in connection with an
1-19 insurance carrier that includes optional coverage for out-of-area
1-20 services, emergency care, or out-of-network care.
1-21 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.
1-22 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
1-23 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
1-24 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-1 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-2 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.