CHAPTER 524. HEALTH COVERAGE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM - Texas Statutes

INSURANCE CODE

TITLE 5. PROTECTION OF CONSUMER INTERESTS

SUBTITLE B. CONSUMER SERVICE PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 524. HEALTH COVERAGE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Text of chapter effective until September 1, 2009, but only if a

specific appropriation is provided as described by Acts 2009,

81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 2.04, which states: This Act does

not make an appropriation. This Act takes effect only if a

specific appropriation for the implementation of the Act is

provided in a general appropriations act of the 81st Legislature.

Sec. 524.001. PROGRAM ESTABLISHED. (a) The department shall

develop and implement a health coverage public awareness and

education program that complies with this chapter. The program

must:

(1) increase public awareness of health coverage options

available in this state;

(2) educate the public on the value of health coverage; and

(3) provide information on health coverage options, including

health savings accounts and compatible high deductible health

benefit plans.

(b) The department may include information about specific health

coverage issuers but may not favor or endorse one particular

issuer over another.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

688, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Sec. 524.002. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS. The department

shall develop and make public service announcements to educate

consumers and employers about the availability of health coverage

in this state.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

688, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Sec. 524.003. INTERNET WEBSITE; PUBLIC EDUCATION. (a) The

department shall develop an Internet website designed to educate

the public about the availability of health coverage in this

state, including information about health savings accounts and

compatible high deductible health benefit plans.

(b) The department shall provide other appropriate education to

the public regarding the value of health coverage.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

688, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Sec. 524.004. TASK FORCE. (a) The commissioner shall appoint a

task force to make recommendations regarding the health coverage

public awareness and education program. The task force is

composed of:

(1) one representative from each of the following groups or

entities:

(A) health benefit coverage consumers;

(B) small employers;

(C) employers generally;

(D) insurance agents;

(E) the office of public insurance counsel;

(F) the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool;

(G) physicians;

(H) advanced practice nurses;

(I) hospital trade associations; and

(J) medical units of institutions of higher education;

(2) a representative of the Health and Human Services Commission

responsible for programs under Medicaid and the children's health

insurance program; and

(3) one or more representatives of health benefit plan issuers.

(b) The department shall consult the task force regarding the

content for the public service announcements, Internet website,

and educational materials required by this chapter. The

commissioner has authority to make final decisions as to what the

program's materials will contain.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

688, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Sec. 524.005. FUNDING. The department may accept gifts and

grants from any party, including a health benefit plan issuer or

a foundation associated with a health benefit plan issuer, to

assist with funding the program. The department shall adopt

rules governing acceptance of donations that are consistent with

Chapter 575, Government Code. Before adopting rules under this

subsection, the department shall:

(1) submit the proposed rules to the Texas Ethics Commission for

review; and

(2) consider the commission's recommendations regarding the

regulations.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

688, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.