Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB482

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of an optional consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

Impact

If enacted, SB482 would considerably affect how state health benefits are delivered under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act. The introduction of the consumer-directed health plan is expected to empower employees by providing them with more control over their healthcare spending. This may also encourage more prudent healthcare usage since plan enrollees would be more directly involved in their health-related financial decisions, potentially leading to cost savings for both employees and the state.

Summary

SB482 pertains to the establishment of an optional consumer-directed health plan for individuals eligible to participate in the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program and their qualified dependents. This legislation introduces a framework that allows these individuals to opt into a health plan that incorporates high deductible health options and health savings accounts, while also integrating state contributions to assist with coverage costs. The bill aims to enhance the flexibility of health care options available to state employees and their families, focusing on individual choice in managing health expenses.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, especially regarding how the high deductible model may influence access to care. Critics of high deductible health plans argue that while they can reduce premiums, they may lead to increased out-of-pocket costs that could hinder access to necessary medical services for lower-income employees. Moreover, some stakeholders may express concerns about the financial implications for those who are not prepared for the higher costs associated with higher deductibles, thereby sparking a debate about the viability of consumer-directed models in the public health insurance sphere.

Companion Bills

TX HB966

Identical Relating to the creation of an optional consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3886

Relating to the eligibility of participants in the state employees group benefits program for certain federal benefits.

TX SB1854

Relating to optional group benefits for dental and vision care under the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program.

TX HB3813

Relating to eligibility to participate as an annuitant in the state employees group benefits program.

TX HB840

Relating to the establishment of a bundled-pricing program to reduce certain health care costs in the state employees group benefits program.

TX HB1144

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX HB10

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX HB26

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX HB76

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX HB69

Relating to a "Texas Way" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace.

TX SB504

Relating to a "Texas solution" to reforming and addressing issues related to the Medicaid program, including the creation of an alternative program designed to ensure health benefit plan coverage to certain low-income individuals through the private marketplace; requiring a fee.

Similar Bills

TX HB1176

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX HB1766

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX HB739

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX SB255

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX HB1362

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX HB966

Relating to the creation of an optional consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

TX HB4076

Relating to benefits administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX HB4863

Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.