Texas House Bill HB3542

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the telephone availability of certain personnel by certain health benefit plan issuers and utilization review agents.

Impact

The implications of HB3542 on state laws are significant. By instituting a requirement for continuous availability, the bill addresses issues such as delays in patient care that may occur due to limited operating hours of insurance companies. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes consumer rights, ensuring that individuals have immediate access to critical information regarding their health benefits at all times. This could potentially lead to improved healthcare outcomes and greater satisfaction among policyholders.

Summary

House Bill 3542 seeks to amend the Insurance Code to ensure that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance providers maintain round-the-clock access to personnel capable of providing verification and preauthorization. The bill specifically mandates that these providers maintain toll-free telephone lines operational 24 hours a day, including weekends and legal holidays. This change aims to enhance accessibility for patients seeking care and streamline processes related to health benefit plans.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to positively affect consumer access to health services, it may also raise concerns regarding the operational burdens it places on health maintenance organizations and insurers. Critics might argue that imposing a 24-hour requirement could lead to increased operational costs, which may, in turn, affect premiums or the availability of certain services. However, supporters would likely contend that the benefits of having readily available assistance and support outweigh any potential downsides associated with implementation.