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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the definitions of a discount health care program and a |
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discount care health care program operator. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Sections 76.001(3) and (4), Health and Safety |
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Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(3) "Discount health care program" means a business |
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arrangement or contract in which an entity, in exchange for fees, |
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dues, charges, or other consideration, including access to patient |
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information, offers its members access to discounts on health care |
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services provided by health care providers. The term does not |
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include an insurance policy, certificate of coverage, or other |
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product regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance or a |
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self-funded or self-insured employee benefit plan. |
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(4) "Discount health care program operator" means a |
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person who, in exchange for fees, dues, charges, or other |
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consideration, including access to patient information, operates a |
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discount health care program and contracts with providers, provider |
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networks, or other discount health care program operators to offer |
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access to health care services at a discount and determines the |
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charge to members. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |