Texas House Bill HB389

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to availability of certain health benefit plan options for certain participants in the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program.

Impact

The implications of HB389 are significant for current and future participants in the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program. By allowing the continuation of earlier health benefit options for retirees and their families, the bill seeks to ensure that these individuals retain critical healthcare choices that cater specifically to their needs. This act effectively protects the rights and benefits of our public school employees, many of whom may be vulnerable due to changes in laws pertaining to healthcare and insurance. As the landscape of healthcare constantly evolves, this bill aims to maintain a level of consistency and security for those affected.

Summary

House Bill 389 (HB389) addresses the health benefit plan options available to certain participants in the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program. Specifically, the bill amends the Insurance Code to ensure that certain health plans in place before changes enacted in 2017 (by H.B. 3976) remain available to specific groups, including participating retirees and their dependents. This continuity aims to provide stability for those who may have relied on these plans during their retirement years.

Contention

While supportive lawmakers argue that HB389 is essential for protecting the options available to retirees, there may be concerns from those who believe it might hinder necessary reforms within the insurance program. Critics could posit that maintaining outdated or previous benefit plans may limit the ability to modernize these programs in ways that could better serve the current population of school employees and their dependents. The ongoing discussion around balancing the rights of existing retirees while ensuring the program remains sustainable poses a notable tension within legislative circles.