Texas 2023 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2798 Introduced / Bill

Filed 02/24/2023

                    88R3952 MCF-D
 By: Bucy H.B. No. 2798


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the Department of State Health Services' purchase of
 health benefit plans for certain individuals infected with HIV.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 85, Health and Safety
 Code, is amended by adding Section 85.066 to read as follows.
 Sec. 85.066.  HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
 (a)  The department may purchase for individuals infected with HIV
 who are enrolled in the HIV medication program established under
 this subchapter health benefit plans that:
 (1)  provide the minimum essential coverage required
 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L.
 111-148); and
 (2)  cover the costs of HIV medications and of testing
 and treatment for HIV.
 (b)  The executive commissioner by rule shall institute a
 sliding fee scale to assist an eligible individual infected with
 HIV with the cost of a premium, deductible, coinsurance, or other
 cost-sharing payment related to a health benefit plan purchased
 under this section.
 SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
 of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
 Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement
 Section 85.066, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
 SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.