Texas House Bill HB1124

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to civil liability for an insurer's violation of certain insurance laws.

Impact

The proposed changes are set to create stricter liabilities for health insurance providers, thus reinforcing legal recourse available to insured individuals. By expanding the scope of what constitutes a violation and the associated liabilities, the bill intends to ensure that health insurance carriers adhere to regulatory standards. This adjustment competes with existing provisions that typically limit the scope of liability for insurers, potentially leading to significant implications for how these entities operate.

Summary

House Bill 1124 addresses civil liability in the context of health insurance law. Specifically, it amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to hold health insurance carriers accountable for damages resulting from violations of certain stipulations defined in the Insurance Code. This legislative move aims to strengthen consumer protections by allowing insured individuals to seek compensation if they suffer harm due to negligent or unlawful practices by their health insurers.

Contention

While supporters assert that the bill is vital for protecting patients and ensuring insurance companies are held accountable, there are concerns regarding the potential for increased litigation. Opponents warn that heightened civil liability may result in higher costs for consumers, as insurers could pass on costs associated with increased payouts and legal defenses to policyholders. Furthermore, some within the insurance industry argue that the bill may lead to unintended consequences, affecting the availability of certain types of coverage.