COVERAGE BY HEALTH CARE COLLABORATIVE NOT REQUIRED.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) and subject to Chapter 843 and Section 1301.0625, an individual may not be required to obtain or maintain coverage under:

(1) an individual health insurance policy written through a health care collaborative; or

(2) any plan or program for health care services provided on an individual basis through a health care collaborative.

(b) This chapter does not require an individual to obtain or maintain health insurance coverage.

(c) Subsection (a) does not apply to an individual:

(1) who is required to obtain or maintain health benefit plan coverage:

(A) written by an institution of higher education at which the individual is or will be enrolled as a student; or

(B) under an order requiring medical support or dental support for a child; or

(2) who voluntarily applies for benefits under a state administered program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1396 et seq.), or Title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1397aa et seq.).

(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a fine or penalty may not be imposed on an individual if the individual chooses not to obtain or maintain coverage described by Subsection (a).

(e) Subsection (d) does not apply to a fine or penalty imposed on an individual described in Subsection (c) for the individual's failure to obtain or maintain health benefit plan coverage.