Texas Employers for Affordable Health Care (TXEAHC), a non-profit working to lower the cost of health care for employers and families, applauds the passage of Senate Bill 926 and Senate Bill 493 that now await Governor Abbott’s signature.
Introduced by Senator Kelly Hancock, Senate Bill 926 removes barriers to information about health care quality and allows insurers and health plans to reward smart shoppers through modified deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing provisions.
Senate Bill 493, sponsored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, will allow pharmacists to inform patients about opportunities to save money on prescription drugs.
To aid consumers in better access to primary care, we also applaud the passing of House Bill 2254, which allows primary care physicians and groups to enter into contracts that include subscription-based services and other value-based incentives without penalty from health plans.
“As the 89th Texas Legislative session has come to a close, we are thrilled with the passage of these bills that will provide information to help Texans make more informed choices about their health care,” said Chris Skisak, PhD, executive director for TXEAHC. “Once signed by Governor Abbott, this legislation is a step in the right direction to help employers and working families rein in out-of-control health care prices.”
TXEAHC was established by purchasers to bring the employers’ voice on health care to the capitol with a goal of passing legislation to address excessive consolidation, anti-competitive contracts, and conduct affecting health care provider networks that increase the prices paid by employers and working families.