Texas House Bill HB1219

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to education employees uniform group health coverage.

Impact

The bill increases the financial commitment of the state to education employees by raising the amount allocated to health coverage. For each participating employee, the state will provide funds that, when combined with contributions from the school districts, cover 100% of the premium for basic health coverage. This change is projected to enhance access to health care for employees of educational institutions, which may lead to improved job satisfaction and retention of quality staff within the sector.

Summary

House Bill 1219 pertains to the provision of uniform group health coverage for education employees in Texas. It amends various sections of the Texas Education Code and the Insurance Code to facilitate financial assistance from the state for school districts and charter schools to ensure that their employees can afford necessary health coverage. The bill states that the state will provide assistance to help cover premiums for employee-only coverage under a primary care plan.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, there are potential points of contention regarding how the increased state contributions will affect budgeting for schools. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to alleviate health coverage costs for school employees, the financial implications could strain the resources of districts that must manage their budgets carefully. Additionally, the bill’s effectiveness will depend on the adequate provision of state funds and how schools choose to implement the changes regarding health coverage.