LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 19, 2005

TO:	Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Insurance
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB698 by Van de Putte (relating to required disclosures to health benefit plan enrollees regarding professional services provided by certain non-network health care providers. ), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Insurance Code relating to required disclosures to health benefit plan enrollees regarding professional services provided by certain non-network health care providers.  The Board of Medical Examiners estimates an increase in the number of complaints received by the Board and states approximately ten percent of the complaints received will be jurisdictional and would require a full investigation.

Based on the analysis of the Department of Insurance, Employees Retirement System and the Board of Medical Examiners, it is assumed that duties, responsibilities and any costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in each house.  If the bill does not receive a two-thirds vote in each house, the bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

327 Employees Retirement System, 454 Department of Insurance, 503 Board of Medical Examiners

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, KJG, SR, MW, NV