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.