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78R9527 PB-F
By: Taylor H.B. No. 3022
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3022:
By: Taylor C.S.H.B. No. 3022
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the availability of preferred providers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 8(a), Article 3.70-3C, Insurance Code,
as added by Chapter 1024, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular
Session, 1997, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Any insurer offering a preferred provider benefit plan
must ensure that both preferred provider benefits and basic level
benefits are reasonably available to all insureds within a
designated service area. This subsection may not be construed to
limit the level of reimbursement or the level of coverage,
including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other
cost-sharing provisions, that are applicable to preferred
providers or nonpreferred providers.
SECTION 2. Section 9, Article 3.70-3C, Insurance Code, as
added by Chapter 1024, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular
Session, 1997, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 9. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. The commissioner shall adopt
rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this article and
to ensure reasonable accessibility and availability of preferred
provider services [and basic level benefits] to Texas citizens.
SECTION 3. This Act applies only to an insurance policy,
certificate, or contract delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed
on or after January 1, 2004. A policy, certificate, or contract
delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2004,
is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the
effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for
that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.