Sec. 1508.101. PARTICIPATING PLAN ISSUERS. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), any health benefit plan issuer may participate in the program.

(b) The commissioner by rule may limit which health benefit plan issuers may participate in the program if the commissioner determines that the limitation is necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

(c) If the commissioner limits participation in the program under Subsection (b), the commissioner shall contract on a competitive procurement basis with one or more health benefit plan issuers to provide qualifying health benefit plan coverage under the program.

(d) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a regional or local health care program described by Chapter 75, Health and Safety Code, from participating in the program. The commissioner by rule shall establish participation requirements applicable to regional and local health care programs that consider the unique plan designs, benefit levels, and participation criteria of each program.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 721 (S.B. 78), Sec. 2.01, eff. September 1, 2009.