Dr. Charles Schwertner’s SB 245 would direct the Office of Public Insurance Council to monitor the adequacy of managed care networks and advocate for Texas consumers.
AUSTIN, TX — Today, Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) filed legislation to grant the state’s Office of Public Insurance Council (OPIC) the authority to better represent the interests of Texas consumers in matters related to the adequacy of their health insurance networks. Senate Bill 245 would allow OPIC to be more heavily engaged in the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)’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 healthcare needs,” said Senator 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 Council, 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 commonsense legislation gives both agencies the tools to collaborate and better protect the interests of Texas consumers.
In November 2018, Dr. Charles Schwertner was reelected to serve the citizens of Senate District 5, a ten-county region of central and east Texas.
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