79R10444 DLF-D


By:  Farabee                                                      H.B. No. 2772



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to health savings accounts and high-deductible health 
plans implemented as a part of the group benefits program of the 
Employees Retirement System of Texas.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  EVALUATION AND REPORT.  (a)  The Employees 
Retirement System of Texas shall evaluate the long-term impact of 
implementing health savings accounts and high-deductible health 
plans as a part of the group benefits program on:
		(1)  future costs and benefits of all health care plans 
included in the group benefits program;
		(2)  participant access to quality health care;                               
		(3)  provider availability; and                                               
		(4)  any other issue the system determines is relevant 
to the continued stable and efficient operation of the group 
benefits program, considering the demographic, geographic, and 
socioeconomic characteristics of program participants.
	(b)  Not later than December 31, 2006, the Employees 
Retirement System of Texas shall submit a report of the results of 
the evaluation conducted under this section, including the system's 
findings and recommendations, to the governor, lieutenant 
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives.
	(c)  This section expires January 1, 2007.                                     
	SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect 
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members 
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas 
Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for 
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.