TITLE: Relating to the provision of certain health care services to certain state employees by or at certain university facilities.

SUMMARY: Relating to the provision of certain health care services to certain state employees by or at certain university facilities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the provision of certain health care services to certain state employees by or at certain university facilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1551.226 to read as follows: Sec. 1551.226. SERVICES BY CERTAIN UNIVERSITY FACILITIES. The board of trustees shall negotiate with hospitals and clinics operated by a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, to provide health care services to participants in the manner described by Section 51.976, Education Code. SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 1601, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1601.156 to read as follows: Sec. 1601.156. SERVICES BY CERTAIN UNIVERSITY FACILITIES. A system shall negotiate with hospitals and clinics operated by a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, to provide health care services to individuals covered by a health benefit plan provided under this chapter in the manner described by Section 51.976, Education Code. SECTION 3. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.976 to read as follows: Sec. 51.976. HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES. A hospital or clinic operated by a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section 61.003, shall provide health care services within the scope of the services otherwise provided by the hospital or clinic, at a rate that is discounted at least 50 percent to: (1) participants in the group benefits program under Chapter 1551, Insurance Code; or (2) an individual covered by a health benefit plan provided under Chapter 1601, Insurance Code. SECTION 4. The Employees Retirement System of Texas, the governing boards of The University of Texas System and The Texas A&M University System, and medical and dental units shall enter into contracts or other agreements necessary for the implementation of Sections 1551.226 and 1601.156, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, and Section 51.976, Education Code, as added by this Act, during the state fiscal year beginning September 1, 2011, with coverage under those sections of the Insurance Code and Education Code beginning on September 1, 2012. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.