Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, has filed legislation to grant the state’s Office of Public Insurance Counsel authority to better represent the interests of Texas consumers in matters related to health insurance networks. Senate Bill 245 would allow OPIC to be more engaged in the Texas Department of Insurance’s process for determining the adequacy of health insurance networks, increasing transparency and quality of care for consumers.
“When a patient selects a health plan they expect to have access to a network of providers capable of treating their health-care needs,” said Schwertner. “When a health plan fails to provide an adequate network, it leaves patients without options. Senate Bill 245 will ensure the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, the consumer watchdog agency for the state, is reviewing the Texas Department of Insurance’s approved health plan networks and access plans to ensure Texans aren’t sold an incomplete product.”
The legislature entrusted TDI with the responsibility to regulate health insurers in this state, and OPIC to protect consumers. This common sense legislation gives both agencies the tools to collaborate and better protect the interests of Texas consumers, the senator said.
In November 2018, Schwertner was re-elected to serve the citizens of Senate District 5, a 10-county region of central and east Texas, which includes Milam County.
The 87th legislative session begins Jan. 12, 2021 and will run until May 31. The regular session lasts for 140 days.
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