| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to participation in and rates for coverage provided under |
|
|
the uniform group coverage program for active employees. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is |
|
|
amended by adding Section 1579.056 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 1579.056. REGIONAL RATING AUTHORIZED. |
|
|
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the trustee by |
|
|
rule may establish a regional rating method for determining |
|
|
premiums charged in different regions of the state for the benefits |
|
|
provided under a plan of group coverage established under the |
|
|
program. |
|
|
SECTION 2. Section 1579.152, Insurance Code, is amended to |
|
|
read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 1579.152. PARTICIPATION OF [OTHER] SCHOOL DISTRICTS |
|
|
AND CERTAIN RISK POOLS. Effective September 1, 2015 [2005], a |
|
|
school district or a risk pool established under Chapter 172, Local |
|
|
Government Code, as provided by Section 22.004, Education Code, |
|
|
that is in existence on January 1, 2015, and whose members are |
|
|
school districts [with more than 500 employees] may elect to |
|
|
participate in the program. A school district or risk pool that |
|
|
elects to participate under this section shall apply for |
|
|
participation in the manner prescribed by the trustee by rule. |
|
|
SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is |
|
|
amended by adding Section 1579.155 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 1579.155. ELECTION NOT TO PARTICIPATE. A school |
|
|
district or risk pool may elect not to participate in the program, |
|
|
notwithstanding any previous election or requirement to |
|
|
participate. |
|
|
SECTION 4. Sections 1579.151 and 1579.153, Insurance Code, |
|
|
are repealed. |
|
|
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |