Bill

SB 1413

85(R) - 2017
Senate Business & Commerce
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
Senate Business & Commerce
Healthcare
Insurance

Companion Bill

HB 3218

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Schwertner

Bill Caption

Relating to health maintenance organization contracts with certain entities to provide health care services.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1413 would amend the Insurance Code to allow a health maintenance organization to contract with a pharmacy benefit manager to provide healthcare services. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill enhances our free market and limited government principles by decreasing regulation on health maintenance organization contracts which will likely increase access and lower costs of health care services. Though this expands freedom through additional regulations, it is still a positive step forward but could go further by simply removing all contractual requirements and regulations imposed by the state and leave providers to determine which contracts they enter into free from government interference.

Because this is a positive step, we support SB 1413. 

Organizations Supporting

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Health Plans
Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers
Texas Pharmacy Association