Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3291

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer's health benefit plan benefits.

Impact

If enacted, HB3291 would significantly tighten the regulations surrounding consumer health benefit plans. The bill addresses specific deceptive practices, such as making misleading claims about the costs and availability of healthcare products and services. This legislative change could enhance consumer protection by ensuring more transparent and honest representations in the healthcare marketplace, thus benefiting consumers who might otherwise be misled.

Summary

House Bill 3291 aims to amend Texas law regarding deceptive acts and practices in connection with consumer health benefit plans. This bill focuses on preventing misleading statements and actions that could harm consumers in the healthcare context, particularly concerning their health benefit plans. It expands the definitions of what constitutes false, misleading, or deceptive practices, ensuring that consumers are protected from potential fraud when dealing with health-related services and products.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3291 appears generally positive among consumer advocates and organizations that prioritize consumer protection. They view this bill as a necessary step to address ongoing issues of deception in the health insurance and healthcare sectors. However, there may be concerns over the implementation and enforcement of these regulations, as some industry stakeholders could perceive it as an additional burden that complicates existing frameworks.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns from certain business and insurance groups who argue that the regulations may impose an overly restrictive framework, potentially stifling innovation and flexibility in the industry. Critics of regulatory expansion often worry that such laws can lead to increased costs and reduced access to health products and services for consumers. The balance between effective consumer protection and maintaining an environment conducive to business operations is likely to be a central topic of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4915

Relating to the deceptive trade practice of excluding mandatory fees or charges from an advertised, displayed, or offered price.

TX HB2128

Relating to the charging of exorbitant or excessive prices for natural gas during a declared disaster.

TX HB2632

Relating to false, misleading, or deceptive advertising made in connection with a reverse mortgage loan agreement.

TX HB18

Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.

TX HB1322

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX SB861

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX HB4810

Relating to transactions involving dealer agreements under the Fair Practices of Equipment Manufacturers, Distributors, Wholesalers, and Dealers Act

TX HB601

Relating to deceptive, unfair, or prohibited practices by an insurer.

TX HB1364

Relating to a direct payment to a health care provider in lieu of a claim for benefits under a health benefit plan.

TX SB583

Relating to a direct payment to a health care provider in lieu of a claim for benefits under a health benefit plan.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.