TITLE: Relating to certain duties of a sheriff regarding a county jail prisoner's health benefits coverage information.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain duties of a sheriff regarding a county jail prisoner's health benefits coverage information.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain duties of a sheriff regarding a county jail prisoner's health benefits coverage information. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 511, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 511.0098 to read as follows: Sec. 511.0098. PRISONER HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE INFORMATION; PAYMENT FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (a) The commission shall adopt procedures by which a sheriff may collect the following from a prisoner who is covered by health insurance or other health benefits coverage: (1) the name of the policyholder or group contract holder; (2) the number of the policy or evidence of coverage; (3) a copy of the health coverage membership card, if available; and (4) any other information necessary for the prisoner to obtain benefits under the coverage. (b) The commission by rule shall require a sheriff to collect the information and documentation described by Subsection (a) for any prisoner in the sheriff's jurisdiction who is confined in a county jail capable of confining 800 or more prisoners. (c) A sheriff who provides health care services to a prisoner for whom the sheriff has obtained health insurance or other health benefits coverage information under this section may arrange for the issuer of the health insurance policy or other health benefits coverage to pay for those services. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.