Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee On Insurance
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB170 by Alonzo (Relating to the coverage by certain health benefit plans of mammograms performed by certain health care providers.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Insurance Code relating to the coverage by certain health benefit plans of mammograms performed by certain health care providers. The bill would require health benefit plans to allow enrollees to choose the provider that performs their low-dose mammography. The bill would allow health benefit plan issuers to require enrollees to receive prior approval of their chosen providers, and it would also not affect the authority of issuers to establish selection criteria for physicians and providers who provide services under the plan. The bill would apply to health benefit plans after January 1, 2014.
Based on information provided by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), it is assumed that any costs associated with the implementation of this bill would be absorbed within existing staff and resources. Also, based on information provided by TDI, this analysis assumes that implementation of the bill would result in an increase in filings in order to disclose the information required and a one-time revenue gain ($3,500 in fiscal year 2014) in General Revenue-Dedicated Texas Department of Insurance Fund 36 from filing fees. Since General Revenue-Dedicated Texas Department of Insurance Fund 36 is a self-leveling account, this analysis also assumes that any additional revenue resulting from the implementation of the bill would accumulate in account fund balances and that the department would adjust the assessment of the maintenance tax or other fees accordingly in the following year.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.