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