The Texas Department of Insurance has been reviewing health insurance rate proposals since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. Regulators have been scrutinizing any insurer that aims to raise rates by 10% or higher, but their efforts may be in vain. According to the Department of Insurance, regulators do not have the authority to block any rate proposal that they deem excessive. They also do not have the means to distribute information regarding rate hikes amongst consumers. This is because the state does not have the laws to…
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Texas consumers eligible for health insurance rebates may see a lower amount than originally thought
In Texas, some 690,000 consumers may receive approximately $160 million in insurance rebates in August. The money comes as part of the medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act, which dictates that insurers must pay at least 80% of the money they collect from premiums on medical care and if they cannot meet this standard they must return the money to policyholders. This may be good news for consumers, but state regulators are looking to cut the amount of rebates by three quarters. The state’s Insurance Department is…
Read MoreTexas Consumer Health Assistance Program to come to an end after a short year of operations
The Texas Consumer Health Assistance Program, a state-run program meant to help consumers find affordable health insurance, is scheduled to be shut down this April after only a year of operation. The program was established in January last year with the help of a $2.8 million federal grant. More than 6,000 consumers had used the service to find insurance coverage and the program was responsible for over 160 events geared toward raising awareness of insurance options. Despite the benefits the program had brought consumers, however, it will be shutting down…
Read MoreTexas lawmakers look to rebuke application for medical loss ratio exemption
Texas legislators are urging the state’s Insurance Commissioner, Eleanor Kitzman, to withdraw an application for exemption from the medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act. The provision requires health insurers to pay no less than 80% of the money they collect through premiums on improving medical care. The provision has been a point of contention for insurers, who have fled some states that were unable to attain a waiver from the rule. Commissioner Kitzman is looking for an exemption to prevent an exodus of insurers from the state.…
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