Texas House Bill HB2349

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to transparency in the rate-setting processes for the Medicaid managed care and child health plan programs.

Impact

If enacted, HB2349 will significantly affect state laws governing health care programs by requiring a level of transparency that may not currently exist. Specifically, it amends the Government Code and the Health and Safety Code to ensure that all stakeholders, including state agencies and beneficiaries, have access to detailed information regarding the assumptions and methodologies used in determining payment rates. This increased transparency is expected to foster accountability in health care funding and administration.

Summary

House Bill 2349 aims to enhance transparency in the rate-setting processes for the Medicaid managed care and child health plan programs in Texas. The bill mandates that the commission responsible for these programs publishes actuarial reports that detail the methodologies and data sources employed in setting premium payment rates. This initiative intends to provide a clearer understanding of how payment rates are determined and ensure that they are actuarially sound for the populations served.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2349 include concerns regarding the proprietary nature of some data and whether entities might resist making certain disclosures that could be deemed commercially sensitive. Opponents of the bill may argue that the requirement to publish detailed actuarial reports could lead to competitive disadvantages or complications within the Medicaid system. Additionally, discussions might arise about the balance between transparency and proprietary business practices, particularly in relation to the firms that develop these actuarial assessments.