79R528 PB-F

By:  Taylor                                                       H.B. No. 1030



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 1301.005, Insurance Code, as effective 
April 1, 2005, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as 
follows:
	(d)  This section 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 1301.007, Insurance Code, as effective 
April 1, 2005, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 1301.007.  RULES.  The commissioner shall adopt rules 
as necessary to:  
		(1)  implement this chapter; and                                              
		(2)  ensure reasonable accessibility and availability 
of preferred provider services [benefits and basic level benefits] 
to residents of this state.
	SECTION 3.  This Act applies only to an insurance policy, 
certificate, or contract delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed 
on or after January 1, 2006.  A policy, certificate, or contract 
delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2006, 
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, 2005.