LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 20, 2005

TO:	Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Insurance
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB619 by Hochberg (Relating to prohibiting the refusal to insure an individual's eligible dependent child solely because the individual has been denied or is not enrolled under that policy; providing penalties.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Insurance Code to prohibit a health insurance policy issuer from refusing to insure an individual's eligible dependent child solely because the individual has been denied or is not enrolled under that policy.  The Texas Department of Insurance Life, Health and Licensing program reports that their workload could increase since carriers may have to amend the eligibility section of their policies.  The Department of Insurance indicates that any additional workload associated with this bill can be absorbed with existing staff and resources.

This bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

454 Department of Insurance

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, MW, NV