Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3127

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the time for providing a response to a request for preauthorization of health benefits.

Impact

If enacted, HB3127 would have significant implications for healthcare providers and insurance companies, establishing clearer deadlines for decision-making processes that could lead to a more efficient authorization system. The legislation aims to address concerns regarding the lack of prompt responses that often leave patients and providers uncertain about the availability of necessary services, which can be crucial for patient care continuity.

Summary

House Bill 3127 is designed to modify and streamline the process by which health benefits are preauthorized in Texas. The bill mandates that utilization review agents respond to preauthorization requests within a specific time frame, dictating that notice of decisions must be communicated no later than the third calendar day following the request. This is meant to ensure that patients and providers receive timely information regarding the necessity and appropriateness of proposed healthcare services, thereby potentially reducing delays in care.

Conclusion

Overall, HB3127 represents an effort to enhance the efficiency of the preauthorization process for health services in Texas. As the bill progresses, the dialogue among legislators, health organizations, and insurance industry representatives will be critical to addressing any concerns about its effects on healthcare delivery and insurance practices.

Contention

While the bill presents an improvement in communication regarding preauthorization, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Stakeholders, such as insurance companies and healthcare providers, may have diverse opinions on the feasibility and implications of enforcing such strict timelines. Critics of the bill may argue that it could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased pressure on insurers to comply with time limits, potentially impacting the thoroughness of evaluations and the overall quality of care.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 540. Medicaid Managed Care Program
    • Section: 0303

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 1305. Workers' Compensation Health Care Networks
    • Section: 353
  • Chapter 4201. Utilization Review Agents
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

TX SB1186

Relating to preauthorization of certain medical care and health care services by certain health benefit plan issuers.

TX HB2327

Relating to preauthorization of certain medical care and health care services by certain health benefit plan issuers and to the regulation of utilization review, independent review, and peer review for health benefit plan and workers' compensation coverage.

IL HB1080

CONSUMER FRAUD-DEBIT CARD HOLD

TX HB4681

Relating to disclosures of preauthorization requirements and explanations of benefits for medical and health care services and supplies covered by health maintenance organizations and preferred provider benefit plans; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB3459

Relating to preauthorization requirements for certain health care services and utilization review for certain health benefit plans.

TX HB4012

Relating to an explanation of benefits provided by certain health benefit plans to enrollees regarding certain preauthorized medical care and health care services.

NY S07470

Requires insurers and health plans to grant automatic preauthorization approvals to eligible health care professionals in certain circumstances.

TX HB2520

Relating to disclosures by certain health benefit plans to enrollees regarding certain preauthorized medical care and health care services.