1. (a) This section applies only to a multiple employer welfare arrangement:

   1. (1) that was issued an initial certificate of authority under Section 846.054 on or after January 1, 2024; or
   2. (2) that elects to be bound by this section in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

2. (b) A multiple employer welfare arrangement that provides a comprehensive health benefit plan, as determined by the commissioner, is subject to the following laws as if the arrangement were an insurer, individuals entitled to coverage under the plan were insureds, and the health benefits were provided through an insurance policy:

   1. (1) Chapter 421;
   2. (2) Chapter 422;
   3. (3) Subchapters C, F, and K, Chapter 1451; and
   4. (4) Chapter 4201.

3. (c) A multiple employer welfare arrangement that provides a comprehensive health benefit plan, as determined by the commissioner, that is determined by the commissioner to be structured in the manner of a preferred provider benefit plan or an exclusive provider benefit plan as defined in Section 1301.001 is subject to the following laws as if the arrangement were an insurer, individuals entitled to coverage under the plan were insureds, and the health benefits were provided through an insurance policy:

   1. (1) Chapter 1301; and
   2. (2) Chapter 1467.

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 117 (H.B. 290), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.