Texas House Bill HB3747

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/4/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/16/25

Caption

Relating to allowing Medicaid managed care organizations to engage in marketing about the availability of certain private health benefit plan coverage.

Impact

The bill, if passed, will impact the way Medicaid managed care organizations can engage with enrollees and potential beneficiaries regarding their health coverage options. By formally permitting these organizations to advertise private health plans, the legislation could lead to an increased enrollment in such plans, possibly enhancing access to healthcare services for individuals within the Medicaid population. The intention is to create a more informed consumer base regarding options available under the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.

Summary

House Bill 3747 aims to amend the Government Code to allow Medicaid managed care organizations to market certain private health benefit plans, including Medicare Advantage plans. The amendment specifically prohibits the establishment of marketing guidelines that would restrict these organizations from informing current or former recipients about qualified health plans available through health exchanges. The bill seeks to enhance public awareness and accessibility of health benefits among Medicaid recipients.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3747 appears to be generally positive among proponents who see value in allowing managed care organizations to provide more comprehensive information about available health plans. Supporters argue that this transparency may empower beneficiaries to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare options. However, there may be cautious sentiment from stakeholders who are concerned about the potential for aggressive marketing practices and whether beneficiaries will be fully informed about the implications of their choices.

Contention

While the bill has gained support for its intent to improve marketing of health benefits, there are concerns about the adequacy of regulations to protect beneficiaries from misleading advertisements. Opponents might worry about the challenges in ensuring that individuals understand the differences between Medicaid, Medicare, and private health plans, potentially leading to confusion. Thus, the main contention lies in balancing the promotion of health plan availability with the necessity to maintain clear, truthful marketing practices that do not exploit vulnerable populations.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

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