Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB6

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/6/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/8/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Healthy Texas Program.

Impact

The implementation of the Healthy Texas Program will have a significant impact on health insurance regulations in the state. It creates the Healthy Texas small employer premium stabilization fund, which serves to reimburse health benefit plan issuers for claims paid on behalf of individuals covered under the program. This fund is intended to ease the financial burden on small employers by providing a safety net against high healthcare costs, promoting broader access to health insurance.

Summary

SB6, titled the Healthy Texas Program, aims to provide affordable health benefit plans specifically for small employers and their employees. This legislation establishes a framework wherein small employers who do not currently offer health benefits can gain access to qualifying health benefit plans. The bill emphasizes the use of managed care strategies and seeks to reduce the costs associated with health insurance for small businesses, thereby encouraging them to provide health coverage for their employees and their dependents.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB6, particularly in terms of potential implications for traditional health insurance structures. Critics of the bill may argue that focusing on small employers could divert attention and resources away from larger, systemic health inequalities that need to be addressed. Furthermore, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of coverage provided under these new plans, particularly about essential health benefits and consumer protections that might not be as rigorous as those in traditional plans.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB344

Relating to the creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange and premium assistance and cost-sharing reduction programs; authorizing a fee.

TX HB700

Relating to creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange; authorizing an assessment.

TX HB2554

Relating to creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange; authorizing an assessment.

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.

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 HB1128

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

Similar Bills

TX HR2992

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, S.B. No. 78.

TX SR1101

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, S.B. No. 78.

TX SB78

Relating to promoting awareness and education about the purchase and availability of health coverage.

HI SB324

Relating To Health Care Cost-sharing Arrangements.

HI SB324

Relating To Health Care Cost-sharing Arrangements.

TX SB1814

Relating to return-to-work coordination services and a return-to-work reimbursement program for employers participating in the workers' compensation system.

NJ S1080

Extends Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance Premium Assistance Fund and collection of annual surcharges for 5 years.

CA AB740

Electricity: microgrids.