Texas Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for Surprise Medical Bill Law
The Texas Department of Insurance is accepting comments on proposed rules to implement Senate Bill 1264, which protects consumers who have state-regulated health plans from surprise medical bills in certain situations. The proposed rules establish procedures for the mediation and arbitration programs authorized by the legislation.
There will be a public hearing on the proposed rules at 9:30 a.m. October 23 in the Hobby Building in Austin. Written comments on the proposal are due at 5 p.m. October 28.
SB 1264 was signed June 14 and has a Jan. 1, 2020, implementation date.
TDI said it is coordinating with other agencies that have roles in implementing SB 1264, which authorizes the appropriate licensing agencies to adopt rules as needed to implement the law and discipline providers who violate the prohibition on balance billing. Texas Medical Board staff say they are developing rules related to SB 1264 for consideration by the board during its October meeting.
A copy of the proposed changes, hearing details, and information on how to submit comments can be found online at: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/rules/2019/senate-bill-1264.html.
Source: TDI