Texas House Bill HB3680

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to education employees uniform group health coverage.

Impact

The bill introduces provisions for state assistance to help participating school districts cover the costs of group health insurance for their employees. Specifically, it mandates a minimum contribution from the state for the purchase of group health coverage. The support begins at $900 for the 2017-2018 plan year, increasing to $1,800 for the following year. From 2019-2020 onwards, the state's contribution will be based on a calculation involving previous contributions and total costs for employee-only coverage under TRS ActiveCare 2.

Summary

House Bill 3680 seeks to amend the Insurance Code of Texas specifically related to group health coverage for education employees. The primary goal of the bill is to ensure that coverage plans offered to education employees are at least as comprehensive as the TRS ActiveCare 2 plan that was available on January 1, 2017. This amendment reflects an effort to maintain consistent health coverage standards for those employed in the education sector, aiming to protect the wellbeing of employees and their families.

Contention

While HB3680 aims to bolster health coverage for educational employees, there may be points of contention regarding the fiscal implications for the state budget. The required contributions and the overall financial commitment by the state could raise debates about funding priorities in the education sector and potential impacts on funding for other necessary services. Stakeholders will need to weigh the benefits of improved health coverage against the financial burdens it may place on the state's budget and educational funding structures.