TX
Texas House Bill HB1570

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1570

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/24/09  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to reimbursement under preferred provider benefit plans for services provided by licensed podiatrists.

Impact

This legislation aims to standardize the reimbursement process for podiatrists, aligning it more closely with that of other medical professionals such as physicians. By doing so, HB1570 is expected to result in better financial outcomes for podiatrists, who often face challenges in negotiating fair rates with insurers. The bill requires that the same methodology utilized for reimbursement calculations for physicians also applies to podiatrists, promoting equity in treatment providers within the healthcare landscape of Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1570 seeks to amend regulations surrounding reimbursement protocols under preferred provider benefit plans specifically for services rendered by licensed podiatrists. The bill intends to enhance transparency and fairness by ensuring that podiatrists have access to compensation guidelines and schedules related to the reimbursement for their services. It mandates that insurers provide these schedules within 30 days of a podiatrist's request, thereby creating a more predictable framework for podiatric professionals regarding their earnings from insurance contracts.

Contention

While the bill appears to foster greater equity in reimbursement processes, it may encounter contention regarding the implications for insurance companies. Critics may argue that imposing these requirements could limit insurers' flexibility in managing their reimbursement policies. Additionally, as this bill impacts the financial agreements between insurance companies and podiatrists, there may be concerns regarding how these changes could affect overall healthcare costs and the availability of services for patients in Texas.

Companion Bills

TX SB1751

Identical Relating to reimbursement under preferred provider benefit plans for services provided by licensed podiatrists.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3359

Relating to network adequacy standards and other requirements for preferred provider benefit plans.

TX HB3195

Relating to conduct of insurers providing preferred provider benefit plans with respect to physician and health care provider contracts and claims.

TX SB1765

Relating to network adequacy standards and other requirements for preferred provider benefit plans.

TX HB5186

Relating to the establishment of the state health benefit plan reimbursement review board and the reimbursement for health care services or supplies provided under certain state-funded health benefit plans.

TX HB3848

Relating to health maintenance organization and preferred provider benefit plan minimum access standards for nonemergency ambulance transport services delivered by emergency medical services providers; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB3985

Relating to an insurer's obligation under a preferred provider benefit plan for continuity of care for certain Medicaid recipients.

TX SB1666

Relating to an insurer's obligation under a preferred provider benefit plan for continuity of care for certain Medicaid recipients.

TX HB2002

Relating to preferred provider benefit plan out-of-pocket expense credits for payments made by an insured directly to a physician or health care provider.

TX HB1128

Relating to availability of and benefits provided under health benefit plan coverage.

TX HB4912

Relating to availability of and benefits provided under health benefit plan coverage.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.