Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Insurance
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB874 by Hegar (Relating to the operation of health care sharing ministries.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Insurance Code relating to the operation of health care sharing ministries. The bill would allow health care sharing ministries to operate and exempts them from certain existing insurance provider requirements because they are not considered to be engaging in the business of insurance. The bill would require health care sharing ministries to notify potential participants regarding its function as a medical expense sharing facilitator and not an insurance company, it would also require notification that the payment of medical bills is the personal responsibility of the applicant and not guaranteed by the health care sharing ministry.
Based on information provided by the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of the Attorney General, it is assumed that any costs associated with the implementation of this bill would be absorbed within existing staff and resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
302 Office of the Attorney General, 454 Department of Insurance