Texas Senate Bill SB964

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/26/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09

Caption

Relating to requirements for insurers and insurance agents that sell Medicare-related products.

Impact

The provisions of SB964 mandate that insurance agents must complete a minimum of eight hours of professional training and eight hours of continuing education annually in areas directly related to Medicare-related products. This advanced training requirement is intended to equip agents with comprehensive knowledge to navigate the complexities of Medicare, thereby potentially reducing confusion and improving service quality for beneficiaries. Furthermore, the bill imposes restrictions on the compensation structure for agents selling Medicare products, prohibiting incentives that could lead to unethical sales behavior.

Summary

SB964 introduces amendments to the Texas Insurance Code, establishing stricter guidelines for insurers and insurance agents engaged in the sale of Medicare-related products. The bill specifically outlines definitions relevant to Medicare-related offerings, such as Medicare advantage plans and Medicare supplement benefit plans, aiming to enhance consumer protection and ensure ethical selling practices in this vital area of health care insurance. By introducing these regulations, SB964 addresses concerns associated with misinformation and deceptive sales tactics which can adversely affect stakeholders, particularly seniors relying on Medicare options.

Contention

While proponents of SB964 argue that the bill is a necessary reform to prevent unethical practices in the aging population's insurance sector, there may be concern regarding the administrative burden this places on insurance agents. Critics may argue that imposing such educational requirements could limit entry into the marketplace for new agents who might simply be trying to serve the growing Medicare demographic. There is also apprehension regarding the balance of ensuring sensitive compliance without overregulating the industry to the detriment of consumer choice and availability of services.