81R1485 AJA-D
 
  By: Watson S.B. No. 781
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to eligibility to participate in the Texas Health
  Insurance Risk Pool by individuals whose employers participate in
  certain regional or local health care programs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 1506, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1506.1531 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1506.1531.  CERTAIN REGIONAL OR LOCAL HEALTH CARE PLANS
  NOT DISQUALIFYING. Notwithstanding Section 1506.152 or 1506.153 or
  another provision of this chapter, an individual is not ineligible
  for coverage from the pool solely because:
               (1)  the individual's employer participates in a
  program operated in accordance with Chapter 75, Health and Safety
  Code, or a program operated on a similar basis, as determined by the
  board; or
               (2)  the individual receives health care services or
  benefits under the program.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.