TITLE: Relating to coverage for and access to hemophilia medical treatment.

SUMMARY: Relating to coverage for and access to hemophilia medical treatment.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to coverage for and access to hemophilia medical treatment. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 41.002, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read as follows: (d) In addition to providing financial assistance under Subsection (c), the department may assist an eligible person in obtaining insurance by providing premium payment assistance. (e) Notwithstanding other law, the eligibility standards established under Subsection (b) must provide that a person 18 years of age or older who meets all other eligibility criteria for assistance under this chapter is eligible for assistance under this chapter. SECTION 2. Section 41.004, Health and Safety Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a [A] person is not eligible to receive services provided by this chapter: (1) to the extent that another person with a legal obligation to provide for the person's care and treatment is financially able to pay for all or part of the services provided by this chapter; or (2) to the extent that the person or a person with a legal obligation to support the person is eligible for some other benefit that would pay for all or part of the services provided by this chapter. (c) A person is not ineligible to receive services provided by this chapter solely because the person receives benefits through the Texas Health Insurance Pool under Chapter 1506, Insurance Code. SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 1506, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1506.1535 to read as follows: Sec. 1506.1535. PARTICIPANTS IN HEMOPHILIA ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Notwithstanding Section 1506.153, an individual is eligible for coverage from the pool if the individual receives financial assistance under the hemophilia assistance program described by Section 41.002, Health and Safety Code. SECTION 4. 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.