Texas House Bill HB2711

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the relationship of noninstitutional providers of laboratory services with health benefit plan issuers.

Impact

The proposed changes under HB2711 would lead to improved access for patients regarding laboratory services as it mandates health benefit plan issuers to offer fair terms for noninstitutional laboratories to provide their services. It particularly addresses concerns surrounding fairness in the laboratory services market, aiming to create a more equitable landscape whereby noninstitutional providers are not disadvantaged in negotiations for inclusion in health benefit plans.

Summary

House Bill 2711 is focused on enhancing the relationship between noninstitutional providers of laboratory services and health benefit plan issuers within the state of Texas. The bill defines 'noninstitutional laboratory' as a laboratory service provider that operates independently from hospitals or other healthcare facilities. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that these noninstitutional laboratories can adequately serve patients and avoid discriminatory practices in contracting with health benefit plan issuers.

Contention

While the bill appears to support the interests of noninstitutional laboratory providers by preventing discriminatory practices, there may be contention surrounding the motivations of health benefit plan issuers. Some stakeholders might argue that strict regulations on how issuers can work with noninstitutional laboratories could potentially increase operation costs for insurance providers, which may, in turn, translate to higher premiums for consumers. Balancing the needs of laboratories and the financial feasibility for health benefit plans will likely be a critical point of discussion among lawmakers.