SRC-TBR H.B. 835 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 835
77R8902 JAT-DBy: Kitchen (Moncrief)
Health & Human Services
5/1/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, low-income families are often unable to obtain affordable,
quality health care. Many parents of children who benefit from CHIP and
Medicaid are not eligible for the state-sponsored health insurance
themselves. Between 1996 and 1998, an average of more than three million
Texans between 18 and 64 years of age were uninsured. Low-income children
are more likely to be enrolled in state health insurance programs when
coverage is offered to the entire family, rather than to children alone.
H.B. 835 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a
study to determine the feasibility of a buy-in option to allow families
without access to health benefits coverage to purchase coverage for all
family members under CHIP. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  (a)  Defines "commission."

(b)  Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (commission) to
conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a buy-in option to allow
families without access to health benefits coverage to purchase health
benefits coverage for all family members under the state child health plan
under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code. 

(c)  Requires the commission, in order to determine the feasibility of the
buy-in option, to examine certain topics. 

(d)  Requires the commission, in conducting the study, to consult consumer
groups interested in the private market for health benefits plan coverage
and members of the issuers of health benefits plan coverage in the private
market, including agents and actuaries.  Authorizes the commission to
consult other groups in conducting the study. 

(e)  Requires the commission, not later than November 1, 2002, to submit to
the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of
representatives a written report containing the findings of the study. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.