Texas House Bill HB3185

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the establishment of a health benefit exchange in this state.

Impact

If enacted, HB3185 would amend the Texas Insurance Code by adding provisions that outright prohibit the formation and operation of health benefit exchanges. This would signify Texas's rejection of a key component of the ACA, which aimed to provide citizens with a marketplace for purchasing health insurance. Consequently, this could limit access to affordable healthcare options for many Texans, particularly those seeking coverage under the ACA provisions designed for individuals and small businesses.

Summary

House Bill 3185 aims to prohibit the establishment of any health benefit exchanges within the state of Texas. Specifically, this bill seeks to prevent state agencies, municipalities, and public institutions from taking any measures to implement or maintain health exchanges as described under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill reinforces a staunch position against the federal healthcare reforms introduced by the ACA, reflecting ongoing tensions between state and federal health policy implementations.

Contention

The prohibition of health benefit exchanges could lead to significant contention among various stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that it will guard against the perceived encroachment of federal policies on state autonomy and prevent the potential for increased costs associated with participating in an exchange. Conversely, opponents highlight the potential negative consequences for consumers and small businesses, such as increased healthcare costs and reduced access to healthcare coverage options, exacerbating existing health disparities in the state.