78R3369 AKH-D

By:  Heflin                                                       H.B. No. 3456



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to health benefit plans under 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.  Subchapter E, Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, as 
effective June 1, 2003, is amended by adding Section 1551.218 to 
read as follows:
	Sec. 1551.218.  COPAYMENTS.  A health benefit plan provided 
under this chapter must require a copayment of not less than:
		(1)  $20 for a visit to a primary care physician;                      
		(2)  $25 for a visit to a nonprimary care specialist 
under a plan operated in the same manner as a health maintenance 
organization health care plan; and
		(3)  $30 for a visit to a nonprimary care specialist  
under a plan operated in the same manner as a preferred provider 
benefit plan.
	SECTION 3.  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.