By:  Madden                                                       H.B. No. 3094


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to availability of preferred providers. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 8, Article 3.70-3C, Insurance Code, subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: Sec. 8. AVAILABILITY OF PREFERRED PROVIDERS. (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. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the preferred provider or nonpreferred provider level of reimbursement or level of coverage including the deductibles, copayments, coinsurance or other cost-sharing provisions. SECTION 2. Section 9, Article 3.70–3C, Insurance Code, 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 the availability of preferred providers [and basic level benefits] to Texas citizens. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.