Texas House Bill HB154

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing a program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain children through the private marketplace.

Impact

The bill mandates the establishment of eligibility criteria and outlines minimum program requirements, ensuring that children enrolled in the program receive premium assistance to help pay for private health insurance. The use of technology is emphasized to facilitate efficient management of enrollees and their coverage options. This legislation seeks to address gaps in health coverage for children from families that may not qualify for government-funded programs yet cannot afford private health insurance plans.

Summary

House Bill 154 aims to establish a program in Texas that ensures health benefit plan coverage for certain children through private market solutions. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Commission, in consultation with the commissioner of insurance, to develop and implement a program designed for children under the age of 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid or the child health plan program due to income limits, and who also lack affordable private health coverage. This initiative is intended to connect eligible children with health benefit coverage options and assist their families in navigating the private marketplace for health insurance.

Conclusion

Overall, HB154 presents an important effort to leverage private market solutions and ensure more children in Texas have access to necessary health benefit plans. Its success will largely depend on effective implementation and ongoing evaluation to address any challenges that emerge.

Contention

While the bill aims to expand health coverage for underserved children, potential points of contention may arise around the adequacy of the premium assistance provided and the effectiveness of the private market solutions proposed. Questions about the program's sustainability, oversight, and its alignment with existing health policies might also be raised. Additionally, there could be concerns from advocacy groups regarding whether the private marketplace can adequately meet the needs of these children compared to existing public health coverage programs.