Texas Senate Bill SB1795

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to education employees uniform group health coverage.

Impact

The implications of SB1795 could be significant for educational institutions across Texas, including public school districts and charter schools. By stipulating minimum standards for health coverage, the bill intends to improve benefits for employees, which may encourage job retention and attract new talent to the field of education. The provision of additional state assistance to help cover the costs of such plans is designed to alleviate some financial burdens from educational institutions while ensuring that employees can avail themselves of necessary health services.

Summary

Senate Bill 1795 focuses on enhancing group health coverage for education employees in Texas. The bill amends the Insurance Code to mandate that the trustee offers a coverage plan that is at least as comprehensive as the TRS ActiveCare 2 plan from January 1, 2017. This requirement aims to ensure that educational employees have access to quality health insurance options, addressing the well-being and health needs of employees in a sector that often faces unique challenges.

Contention

Critics of SB1795 may argue that while enhancing health coverage for employees is beneficial, concerns may arise regarding funding and sustainability of the proposed assistance levels. As the bill seeks to allocate at least $900 per employee for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, escalating to $1,800 and possibly increasing thereafter, questions about the state’s ability to maintain these contributions in the long term may need to be addressed. Additionally, stakeholders might express concerns regarding the impact on local budgets and the capacity of different districts to participate in such programs.