Cook Bill Lets Schools Rejoin State Health Plan For A Fee

The text as introduced · 290 words

By: Cook
S.B. No. 2733

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the election of certain participating entities to

participate in the uniform group coverage program for active school

employees.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 1579, Insurance Code, is

amended by adding Section 1579.1551 to read as follows:

Sec. 1579.1551. PARTICIPATING ENTITY PROGRAM

PARTICIPATION. (a) This section applies to a participating entity

that discontinued participation in the program effective on

September 1, 2022, in accordance with Section 1579.155(a).

(b) Notwithstanding Section 1579.155(b), a participating

entity to which this section applies may elect to participate in the

program before the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the

participating entity's election to discontinue participation in

the program if the participating entity:

(1) provides written notice to the trustee not later

than December 31, 2025, of the participating entity 's election to

participate in the program effective beginning September 1, 2026;

and

(2) complies with any other requirements established

by the trustee for program participation.

(c) For the plan year beginning September 1, 2026, the

trustee shall impose a risk stabilization fee in an amount

determined by the trustee on the premiums of a participating entity

to which this section applies.

(d) A participating entity that elects to participate in the

program in accordance with this section may not elect to

discontinue participation until September 1, 2031.

(e) The trustee by rule may impose additional requirements,

conditions, and deadlines with which a participating entity to

which this section applies must comply to elect to participate in

the program in accordance with this section.

(f) This section expires September 1, 2031.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.