Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
SB 2476 - Consumer protection on medical
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
It forces insurance to cover transport costs if rates are freely provided on the commissioners Internet website. Sadly forcing insurance to cover something merely provides them with an excuse to raise rates, while likely charging more than enough to cover the costs.SB 2476 - Consumer protection on medical
Published: 2024-08-27
SB 2476
Consumer protection against certain medical and health care billing by emergency medical services providers
A political subdivision may set a rate, controlled by the subdivision for certain emergency medical services providers. This information shall be on the commissioners Internet website. This expires 9/1/2025.
This merely provides the information to the public as to what the billing should be. Which I'm glad because forcing rates always leads to increases and eventually many not being able to afford the service. Much like the current power system.
It goes on to require insurance to cover the cost of transport for a non-network provider if the political subdivision provided rates and the service originated in the political subdivision. If the rates were not provided then the lesser of the billed charge or 325% of the current Medicare rate.
This merely gives the insurance companies an excuse to raise rates to cover the potential 'costs'. It would be simpler if the rates were published and they had to pay it if the rates were reasonably similar to network providers. Because we are talking about emergency services.
And now we are getting into rate setting. A health insurance provider can adjust their annual rates by the lesser of the Medicare Inflation Index or 10% of the previous years rates. So if the costs exceed the rate these organizations receive, then they will quit providing the insurance. Although since this section expires, they may shift income from other sources to wait out the expiration. Insurance companies are in the business of making money not paying claims. They are now where near a non-profit. They are extraordinarily profitable.
Health insurance providers must pay providers within 30 days of receiving the claim; or 45 days after they receive a nonelectronic claim.
This section expires 9/1/2025.
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