79R7850 PB-D

By:  Rose                                                         H.B. No. 1948



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to health benefit plan coverage for detection and 
prevention of osteoporosis.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 1361.002, Insurance Code, as effective 
April 1, 2005, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 1361.002.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER.  (a) This chapter 
applies only to a group health benefit plan delivered, issued for 
delivery, or renewed in this state that provides coverage for 
medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of accident or 
sickness, including:
		(1)  a group insurance policy;                                                
		(2)  a group contract issued by a group hospital 
service corporation operating under Chapter 842;  and
		(3)  a group contract issued by a health maintenance 
organization operating under Chapter 843.
	(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a group standard health 
benefit plan provided under Chapter 1507 or Article 3.80 or 20A.09N 
must provide the coverage required by this chapter.
	SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only 
to a health benefit plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, or 
renewed on or after January 1, 2006.  A health benefit plan that is 
delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2006, 
is covered by the law in effect at the time the health benefit plan 
was delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed, and that law is 
continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.