S.B. No. 963
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to regulation of premium rates for long-term care
  insurance.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 1651, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1651.056 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1651.056.  REVIEW; APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF PREMIUM
  RATES.  (a)  A long-term care premium rate may not be used until the
  rate has been filed with the department and approved by the
  commissioner.
         (b)  The commissioner may disapprove a long-term care
  premium rate that is not actuarially justified or does not comply
  with standards established under this chapter or adopted by rule by
  the commissioner.
         (c)  An insurer who obtains the commissioner's approval of an
  increase of a long-term care premium rate under Subsection (a)
  shall:
               (1)  notify policyholders of the scheduled rate
  increase at least 45 days prior to the date that the policyholder is
  required to make a premium payment at the increased rate; and
               (2)  provide contingent nonforfeiture benefits
  consistent with nationally recognized models and rules adopted by
  the commissioner.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies to any rate increase
  implemented on or after September 1, 2009.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 963 passed the Senate on
  April 9, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that
  the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 28, 2009, by the
  following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 963 passed the House, with
  amendment, on May 20, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 145,
  Nays 0, one present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor