Texas House Bill HB1766

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/13/11
• Introduced: 2/24/11
• Voted on by House: 5/12/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11
• Engrossed: 5/12/11

Caption

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1766 will amend the Texas Insurance Code and create specific provisions for the establishment and management of health savings accounts. These accounts will allow participants to save pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, thus providing financial incentives for more cost-effective healthcare decisions. The bill emphasizes that participation in the consumer-directed health plan will be treated as equivalent to participation in the existing group benefits program, ensuring regulatory clarity and seamless integration for employees.

Summary

House Bill 1766 introduces a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for individuals eligible under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents. The bill aims to provide a structured option for these individuals to waive traditional coverage in favor of a consumer-directed approach, which encourages participants to manage their own health expenses through health savings accounts and higher deductible health plans. This initiative aligns with growing trends towards consumer-driven healthcare, promoting individual choice and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may also raise concerns regarding the adequacy of coverage under high deductible plans and the financial burden placed on individuals who opt for this route. Stakeholders may debate the balance between encouraging consumer choice in healthcare while ensuring access to essential medical services without overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses. As this bill progresses, discussions will likely focus on how the transition to a consumer-directed model affects employee satisfaction and overall health outcomes.