Bill
HB 477
85(R) - 2017
House Insurance
House Insurance
Insurance
Vote Recommendation
No
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Negative
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Negative
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Neutral
Author(s)
Nicole Collier
Bill Caption
Relating to the provision and use of health coverage information to educate consumers purchasing individual health benefit coverage.
Fiscal Notes
From the LBB: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 477 would amend the Insurance Code to require a health benefit plan issuer that offers individual health benefit plans to provide health coverage information to an agent selling plans to educate a prospective purchaser about policy and coverage provisions including: co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, provider networks, and financial responsibilities for in-network and out-of-network services. An agent would not be able to sell or receive an application until this information is provided.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Though well intended, this bill violates our free market and limited government principles by adding additional regulations on health benefit plan providers requiring the disclosure of information regarding health plans. It is the responsibility of the consumer to obtain the necessary information rather than mandates from the government. For these reasons, we oppose HB 477.
Organizations Supporting
Center for Public Policy Priorities
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas
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