Relating to the duties and powers of the office of public insurance counsel concerning the adequacy of networks offered in this state by managed care plans.
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to strengthen consumer advocacy by allowing OPIC to oppose applications made by managed care plans that do not comply with network adequacy requirements. This means that consumers will potentially have a stronger voice in ensuring that they have access to adequate medical services under their managed care plans. Additionally, the establishment of annual consumer report cards will serve as an objective tool for comparing managed care plans on the adequacy of their networks, further empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Summary
SB1649 aims to enhance the responsibilities and powers of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) concerning the adequacy of networks provided by managed care plans in Texas. It introduces several amendments to the Insurance Code that grant OPIC the authority to monitor and advocate for the adequacy of managed care plans, as well as the right to intervene in legal and administrative proceedings to represent insurance consumers. One significant change is the requirement for managed care plans to file network adequacy requests with OPIC, thereby increasing transparency and accountability in the insurance marketplace.
Contention
While SB1649 is positioned as a consumer protection measure, it might generate contention among managed care providers who may see the increased oversight as a regulatory burden that could impact their operational flexibility. Critics of the bill may argue that additional regulations could lead to increased costs for managed care plans, which could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Proponents, on the other hand, will likely advocate for the necessity of stringent oversight to ensure all consumers receive adequate care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust standards for managed care networks.
Identical
Relating to the duties and powers of the office of public insurance counsel concerning the adequacy of networks offered in this state by managed care plans.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.
Relating to the fiduciary responsibility of the governing body of the public retirement systems in this state and the investment managers and proxy advisors acting on behalf of those systems.