Bill: HB 490, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Insurance
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Business & Commerce
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| No |
Negative |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Negative |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Rodney Anderson
Sponsor(s)
Lois Kolkhorst
Bill Caption
Relating to health benefit plan coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants for certain individuals.
Fiscal Notes
From the Legislative Budget Board: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 490 would amend the Insurance Code to require a health benefit plan to provide coverage for the cost of a medically necessary hearing aid or cochlear implant for a covered individual 18 years or younger.
Vote Recommendation Notes
By adding a new health insurance mandate, HB 490 violates the principles of limited government and free markets. Health insurance mandates only serve to drive up the cost of health insurance and healthcare services. Policymakers should instead focus on greatly decreasing the regulatory burden on these fields and allowing market competition to reduce costs, increase the array of choices available to consumers, and create innovative new ways of offering the insurance coverage people want at a price they can afford and are willing to pay. We oppose HB 490 for increasing the scope and cost of government regulations on health insurance.
Organizations Supporting
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
Organizations Opposed
National Federation of Independent Business
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Health Plans
