Texas Senate Bill SB1403

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to changing the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool to the Texas Health Insurance Pool, and to the operation of that pool.

Impact

If enacted, the changes introduced by SB1403 will directly influence the manner in which health insurance coverage is administered to residents who require assistance through the risk pool. The redesignation is intended to streamline operations and potentially expand eligibility for individuals seeking coverage through the pool. The implications may also extend to how dependents and family members are treated under the pool guidelines, ensuring better family health coverage integration. This could result in a significant shift in health insurance dynamics within Texas.

Summary

SB1403 proposes the transformation of the existing Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool into the Texas Health Insurance Pool. This bill aims to update the terminology used in the state legislation and clarify the eligibility and operational procedures for the pool. It includes provisions for redesignation and amends various sections of the Insurance Code to facilitate this transition. The key goal is to maintain a system that aids individuals who cannot obtain health insurance coverage in the traditional market, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services.

Contention

While SB1403 itself may seem straightforward, discussions surrounding health insurance risk pools can often lead to debates about state versus federal oversight, as well as concerns over the adequacy of coverage offered. Some stakeholders argue that merely redesignating the pool does not address deeper issues related to the affordability and comprehensiveness of health care coverage. Others might express reservations regarding the eligibility criteria established in the bill, worrying that they might exclude vulnerable populations who need access to health insurance most.