Texas House Bill HB3967

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a task force to study the financing options for early childhood intervention services.

Impact

The establishment of this task force could significantly influence the legislative framework surrounding the financing and accessibility of early childhood intervention services. If successful, the recommendations issued by the task force may lead to a requirement for private insurers to offer coverage that includes services necessary for children's development—possibly regardless of underlying conditions such as illnesses or cognitive defects. This could enhance the availability of interventions that many families currently struggle to afford.

Summary

House Bill 3967 aims to establish a task force dedicated to studying and recommending financing options for early childhood intervention services in Texas. This bill mandates that the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission set up a task force composed of various stakeholders, including providers of early childhood intervention services, advocacy groups, and representatives from health insurance sectors. The goal is to explore the feasibility of requiring private health benefit plans to cover these essential services and ensure that providers are included in their networks.

Contention

While the intent of HB3967 is ostensibly positive, there may be points of contention surrounding its implementation and the potential pushback from private insurers regarding mandated coverage. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the reliability and sustainability of financial models that would enable the inclusion of early intervention services. Furthermore, there could be concerns around how such requirements might affect health insurance premiums and the overall cost of healthcare in Texas.