BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 957
81R7233 ALB-D By: Watson
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Counties, public hospitals, and hospital districts are struggling to come up with innovative and effective ways to provide access to health care for eligible individuals. Chapter 75 (Regional or Local Health Care Programs for Employees of Small Employers), Health and Safety Code, created by S.B. 10, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, allows for the creation of low-cost health coverage products specifically designed for small employers with two to 50 employees (three share plans).
As proposed, S.B. 957 modifies Sections 61.029 and 61.056, Health and Safety Code, to allow counties, public hospitals, or hospital districts to purchase health coverage or other health benefits, including benefits described by Chapter 75, for those who are eligible for those programs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 61.029, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (c), to authorize a county to provide or arrange to provide health care services for eligible county residents through the purchase of health coverage or other health benefits, including benefits described by Chapter 75 (Regional or Local Health Care Programs for Employees of Small Employers).
SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.056, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (d), to authorize a public hospital or hospital district to provide or arrange to provide health care services for eligible residents through the purchase of health coverage or other health benefits, including benefits described by Chapter 75. Provides that the board of directors or managers of the hospital or district has the power and duties provided to the commissioners court of a county under Chapter 75 for the purposes of this subsection.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.