BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2371
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, a health maintenance organization (HMO) or a preferred provider organization (PPO) may opt to reimburse only for benefits performed by a certain type of practitioner, other than a licensed acupuncturist. For example, a policy may say that it will cover acupuncture, but only if it is done by a physician.
H.B. 2371 requires an HMO or a PPO to pay licensed acupuncturists if the health plan claims to cover acupuncture services. This bill does not require HMOs or PPOs to cover acupuncture services.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 843, Insurance Code, by adding Section 843.3041, as follows:
Sec. 843.3041. ACUPUNCTURIST SERVICES. (a) Prohibits a health maintenance organization that includes acupuncture in the services covered by the organization's health care plan from refusing to provide reimbursement for the performance of a covered acupuncture service solely because the service is performed by an acupuncturist.
(b) Provides that this section does not require a health maintenance organization to offer acupuncture as a covered service.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 1301, Insurance Code, as effective April 1, 2005, by adding Section 1301.0515, as follows:
Sec. 1301.0515. ACUPUNCTURIST SERVICES. (a) Prohibits an insurer offering a preferred provider benefit plan that includes acupuncture in the services covered by the plan from refusing to provide reimbursement for the performance of a covered acupuncture service solely because the service is provided by an acupuncturist.
(b) Provides that this section does not require an insurer to offer acupuncture as a covered service.
SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2005.