Texas Senate Bill SB1550

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

This bill significantly impacts state laws concerning insurance disclosures, particularly regarding dental care. The amendment to the Insurance Code aims to enhance transparency and ensure that both insured individuals and dentists have access to important information about the coverage available under various health insurance and benefit plans. By requiring insurance providers to establish accessible websites with detailed coverage information, SB1550 promotes better-informed choices for patients and encourages clearer communication between dentists and insurance providers.

Summary

SB1550 is an act aimed at regulating certain disclosures and prohibiting specific practices related to employee benefit plans and health insurance policies that provide dental care services. The bill mandates that health insurance policies disclose the extent of benefits and payment terms, ensuring that consumers can easily access and understand the coverage available to them for dental services. It requires plans to specify any limitations on benefits, such as prioritizing the least costly treatment options and to detail the payment amounts for dental services.

Contention

Notable areas of contention surrounding SB1550 include concerns regarding the balance between protecting consumer interests and ensuring that insurance providers do not face excessive regulatory burdens. While some advocates argue that these changes will improve patient trust in insurance policies and promote better dental health outcomes, opponents may raise issues about the feasibility of implementing such extensive disclosure requirements and the potential for increased administrative costs for insurance companies. Additionally, there may be concerns about how these changes will ultimately impact premiums and the availability of different dental plans.