78R7374 SMJ-D

By:  Merritt                                                      H.B. No. 2104



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the date coverage begins under the health benefit plans 
provided by the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 1551.105, Insurance Code, as effective 
June 1, 2003, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 1551.105.  DATE [AUTOMATIC] COVERAGE BEGINS.  (a)  For 
an annuitant, automatic [Automatic] coverage under this subchapter 
begins on the date the [an employee or] annuitant becomes eligible 
for coverage.
	(b)  For an employee, automatic coverage and all other 
coverages under this chapter begin on the 90th day after the date on 
which the employee begins employment.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and 
applies to health benefit plans provided under Chapter 1551, 
Insurance Code, as effective June 1, 2003, beginning with the 
2004-2005 state fiscal year.