Relating to the establishment of the Texas Individual Health Insurance Association and to the efficient operation of that system.
Impact
The bill is expected to have a significant impact on Texas law regarding health insurance operations. By creating this overarching association, the legislation seeks to ensure that both insurers and consumers operate under a more organized structure, promoting fair practices and enhancing consumer protection within the health insurance industry. The association is also granted powers to operate as a reinsurance system, which would help mitigate risks for insurers, thereby promoting stability in the individual health insurance sector.
Summary
House Bill 4217 establishes the Texas Individual Health Insurance Association as a nonprofit entity composed of authorized insurers. The primary aim of this legislation is to efficiently manage and operate the individual health insurance market in Texas. All insurers seeking to provide individual health coverage are required to be members of the association, thereby centralizing the administration of health insurance policies within the state. This framework intends to streamline processes and enhance accessibility to health coverage for individuals requiring insurance.
Contention
One notable point of contention related to HB 4217 revolves around the implications it may have on competition within the health insurance market. Critics of the bill may argue that forcing all insurers to join a single association could reduce competition, ultimately leading to higher premiums and less choice for consumers. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the governance structure of the association, particularly how the governing committee is appointed and the transparency of its operations. Ensuring that the association operates without favoritism and maintains accountability to policyholders will be crucial in addressing these concerns.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment; authorizing a surcharge.
Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment, a surcharge, and an infrastructure grant.
Relating to the delivery of services and programs to individuals with disabilities; conferring powers and duties on the Office of the Governor; establishing the Office for Individuals with Disabilities and the Advisory Committee for Individuals with Disabilities; and providing for the powers and duties of the office and the committee and for funding of the office and the committee.
Relating to the delivery of services and programs to individuals with disabilities; conferring powers and duties on the Office of the Governor; establishing the Office for Individuals with Disabilities and the Advisory Committee for Individuals with Disabilities; and providing for the powers and duties of the office and the committee and for funding of the office and the committee.
Relating to the use of individual graduation committees to satisfy certain public high school graduation requirements for certain individuals who are no longer enrolled in school.