81R7230 AJA-D
By: Zerwas H.B. No. 2026
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to bariatric surgery coverage for state employees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, is
amended by adding Section 1551.227 to read as follows:
Sec. 1551.227. STUDY OF AND COVERAGE FOR BARIATRIC SURGICAL
PROCEDURES. (a) Not later than January 1 of each year, the board of
trustees shall annually study the issue of provision of bariatric
surgery coverage under a group health benefit plan offered under
the group benefits program. The board shall determine the cost that
the state can be expected to incur and the benefits the state can be
expected to realize by providing coverage for bariatric surgical
procedures for state employees that is at least as extensive as the
benefit for bariatric surgery provided to Medicare beneficiaries
under the National Coverage Determinations Manual published by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on February 15, 2006.
(b) If the board of trustees determines that providing the
coverage described by Subsection (a) for the plan year following
the plan year in which the study is completed would be cost-neutral
or cost-positive to the state, the board shall provide the benefit
for the plan year following the plan year in which the study is
completed.
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2010, the board of
trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas shall complete
the first study required under Section 1551.227, Insurance Code, as
added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.