Texas House Bill HB16

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for hair prostheses for breast cancer patients.

Impact

If enacted, HB16 will modify the existing provisions within the Insurance Code, particularly Chapter 1371, where new sections will be added to ensure coverage for hair prostheses is formally included. This change is expected to enhance the financial support available to breast cancer patients and promote holistic treatment approaches, addressing not only the physical but also the emotional needs associated with the loss of hair during treatments. It potentially alleviates some of the financial burdens that breast cancer patients face when seeking prosthetic solutions.

Summary

House Bill 16 addresses the coverage requirements for health benefit plans in Texas, specifically focusing on providing coverage for hair prostheses for individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The bill mandates that these plans must cover the costs associated with a hair prosthesis, including the ability to repair or replace it, contingent upon the approval of the treating physician. The requirement ensures that patients receiving medical treatment for breast cancer have access to necessary tools that support their well-being, particularly when experiencing side effects related to their treatment.

Contention

While the bill has the support of many advocacy groups focused on women's health and cancer, there may still be points of contention regarding its implementation, specifically concerning the additional costs to insurance providers and how these costs might be passed on to consumers. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of enforcing such coverage mandates and whether they could constrain insurers in a manner that impacts their coverage of other essential healthcare services. Additionally, some discussions could arise around the bill's coverage limits and whether $100 is sufficient to cover adequate prostheses.