Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1852

Caption

Relating to disclosures required in connection with the issuance of certain health benefit plans.

Impact

The enactment of SB1852 is expected to impact consumer protection significantly by enhancing transparency within the health insurance market. The required disclosures aim to mitigate the risks associated with short-term health plans, which can often have limitations and exclusions that might not be immediately apparent to buyers. By standardizing the information that must be provided, the bill seeks to uphold a level of accountability among insurers and safeguard potential policyholders from uninformed decisions regarding their healthcare coverage.

Summary

Senate Bill 1852 relates to the disclosure requirements for the issuance of certain health benefit plans, specifically focusing on short-term limited-duration insurance. The bill amends the Texas Insurance Code to mandate that insurance providers include a clearly defined set of disclosures when issuing such policies. These disclosures are designed to inform policyholders about key terms and conditions, including duration of coverage, renewal options, maximum reimbursement amounts, deductibles, and the specifics of what is covered under the plan, such as prescription drugs and emergency care. The intent of these provisions is to ensure that consumers have a comprehensive understanding of their insurance coverage before purchase.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1852 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups who argue that clearer disclosures will empower consumers to make informed choices about their health insurance. However, there may be critiques around the practicality of implementing such requirements for insurance providers, as well as concerns about whether these disclosures alone will address the broader issues associated with short-term limited-duration policies, which are often criticized for their inherent limitations compared to comprehensive coverage.

Contention

One notable point of contention discussed during the legislative process was regarding how effectively the disclosure requirements would address the complexities and pitfalls of short-term insurance policies. Detractors argued that despite increased transparency, short-term plans could still pose risks to consumers due to their nature of excluding essential health benefits and imposing waiting periods for coverage of preexisting conditions. Therefore, while the bill enhances disclosure, the broader debate on the necessity and viability of short-term health plans in providing adequate healthcare solutions remains unresolved.

Companion Bills

TX HB1903

Same As Relating to disclosures required in connection with the issuance of certain health benefit plans.

Previously Filed As

TX SB457

Relating to disclosure requirements for health benefit plans and health expense arrangements marketed to individuals.

TX SB861

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX HB1322

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX SB622

Relating to the disclosure of certain prescription drug information by a health benefit plan.

TX HB1754

Relating to the disclosure of certain prescription drug information by a health benefit plan.

TX HB3524

Relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia in connection with certain pediatric dental services.

TX SB1178

Relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia in connection with certain pediatric dental services.

TX HB1128

Relating to availability of and benefits provided under health benefit plan coverage.

TX HB4912

Relating to availability of and benefits provided under health benefit plan coverage.

TX HB826

Relating to modification of certain prescription drug benefits and coverage offered by certain health benefit plans.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.