Bill > HB139

This bill introduces a new type of health insurance plan called an "employer choice of benefits plan" that allows employers to offer health insurance with fewer state-mandated benefits, potentially at a lower cost. The bill creates a new Chapter 1506 in the Texas Insurance Code that defines these plans, which must still cover essential health benefits like emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventative care, but can exclude other state-mandated health benefits. Health benefit plan issuers offering these plans must provide clear written disclosure to employers and employees about the reduced coverage, including a prominent notice on enrollment documents that explains the plan may offer fewer benefits than traditional health plans. Importantly, health insurers offering these plans must also provide at least one traditional group health benefit plan with full state-mandated benefits. The bill requires employers to provide these disclosure documents to employees before initial enrollment and renewal, and to obtain signed acknowledgment from employees. The goal appears to be providing more flexible, potentially more affordable health insurance options for employers while ensuring transparency about the limitations of these plans.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB139