(a) As provided in this division, a regional or local health care program described by the Health and Safety Code Chapter 75 may file an election with the commissioner, on an application form and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner, to participate in the Healthy Texas Program and its small employer premium stabilization fund, utilizing the options set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) A regional or local health care program may apply to participate through purchase of an available Healthy Texas health benefit plan pursuant to the Health and Safety Code §75.102(a)(3) in accordance with Divisions 3 and 6 of this subchapter (relating to Participation by Small Employers and Healthy Texas Small Employer Premium Stabilization Fund, respectively) applicable to the facilitation of purchase or direct purchase of a Healthy Texas qualifying health benefit plan, and as further provided in §26.534 of this division (relating to Participation Through Direct Purchase of Health Benefit Plan).
(c) A regional or local health care program also may apply to participate through the completion of a process that results in a regional or local health care program with benefit, operational and administrative provisions that meet or exceed the standards set forth in §26.535 of this division (relating to Participation Through Eligible Regional or Local Health Care Program Implementation).
(d) Any newly formed regional or local health care program electing to participate must meet all requirements for participation as provided in this division, and must file its election not later than the 90th day before the date coverage for health care is to become effective for such regional or local health care program.
(e) Any existing regional or local health care program electing to participate must meet all requirements for participation as provided in this division, and must file its election not later than the 90th day before the anniversary date on which post-anniversary date coverage for health care is to become effective for such regional or local health care program.

Source Note: The provisions of this §26.533 adopted to be effective March 16, 2010, 35 TexReg 2174