87(1) HB 293 - Introduced version - Bill Text
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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and |
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requirements for COVID-19 vaccines. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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ARTICLE 1. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED |
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SECTION 1.01. Chapter 544, Insurance Code, is amended by |
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adding Subchapter N to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER N. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS |
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Sec. 544.651. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus |
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disease. |
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(2) "Health benefit plan issuer" means an issuer, |
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administrator, or sponsor of a health benefit plan described by |
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Section 544.652. |
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Sec. 544.652. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. (a) This |
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subchapter applies only to a health benefit plan that provides |
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benefits for medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of a |
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health condition, accident, or sickness, including a group, |
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blanket, or franchise insurance policy or insurance agreement, a |
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group hospital service contract, or a group evidence of coverage or |
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similar coverage document that is offered by: |
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(1) an insurance company; |
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(2) a group hospital service corporation operating |
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under Chapter 842; |
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(3) a health maintenance organization operating under |
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Chapter 843; |
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(4) an approved nonprofit health corporation that |
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holds a certificate of authority under Chapter 844; |
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(5) a multiple employer welfare arrangement that holds |
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a certificate of authority under Chapter 846; |
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(6) a stipulated premium company operating under |
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Chapter 884; |
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(7) a fraternal benefit society operating under |
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Chapter 885; |
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(8) a Lloyd's plan operating under Chapter 941; or |
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(9) an exchange operating under Chapter 942. |
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(b) Notwithstanding any other law, this subchapter applies |
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to: |
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(1) a small employer health benefit plan subject to |
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Chapter 1501, including coverage provided through a health group |
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cooperative under Subchapter B of that chapter; |
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(2) a standard health benefit plan issued under |
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Chapter 1507; |
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(3) a basic coverage plan under Chapter 1551; |
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(4) a basic plan under Chapter 1575; |
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(5) a primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579; |
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(6) a plan providing basic coverage under Chapter |
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1601; |
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(7) health benefits provided by or through a church |
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benefits board under Subchapter I, Chapter 22, Business |
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Organizations Code; |
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(8) the state Medicaid program, including the Medicaid |
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managed care program operated under Chapter 533, Government Code; |
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(9) the child health plan program under Chapter 62, |
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Health and Safety Code; |
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(10) a regional or local health care program operated |
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under Section 75.104, Health and Safety Code; |
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(11) a self-funded health benefit plan sponsored by a |
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professional employer organization under Chapter 91, Labor Code; |
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(12) county employee group health benefits provided |
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under Chapter 157, Local Government Code; and |
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(13) health and accident coverage provided by a risk |
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pool created under Chapter 172, Local Government Code. |
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(c) This subchapter applies to a life insurance company |
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that: |
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(1) issues or delivers a life insurance policy in this |
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state; or |
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(2) is organized under the laws of this state. |
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Sec. 544.653. PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST |
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INDIVIDUAL. A group health benefit plan issuer or a life insurance |
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company may not use an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to: |