SRC-TBR C.S.H.B. 835 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 835 77R15219 JAT-DBy: Kitchen (Moncrief) Health & Human Services 5/8/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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 and to consult with other agencies of this state to obtain necessary data. (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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Engrossed H.B. 835 by adding language in proposed Subsection (d) to allow the commission to consult with other state agencies to obtain necessary data. SECTION 2. No change.