Texas House Bill HB1862

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain required disclosures and prohibited practices of certain employee benefit plans and health insurance policies that provide benefits for dental care services.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1862 would enforce stricter disclosure requirements on health insurance providers, ensuring that information related to dental care payments is both accessible and clear. This could lead to improved decision-making for insured individuals as they navigate their dental care options. Additionally, the requirement for insurance companies to provide a dedicated website would centralize information and potentially enhance the ease of access to critical health care data for both patients and dentists.

Summary

House Bill 1862 aims to amend the Insurance Code related to employee benefit plans and health insurance policies that provide benefits for dental care services. The bill mandates that plans must clearly disclose terms relevant to dental care reimbursements, including whether benefits are limited to the least costly treatment and the exact dollar amount of reimbursements available. This level of transparency is designed to facilitate better understanding for both patients and providers regarding coverage details.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly with how these new regulations impact operational practices for dental care providers and insurance companies. Providers may express concern over the administrative burdens that come with increased transparency and the responsibility to comply with the new disclosure requirements. On the other hand, patient advocacy groups might support the bill for providing necessary information that empowers patients in managing their dental health.