Navigators may be held to a higher standard in Texas The Texas Department of Insurance has proposed new requirements of health insurance navigators that will be working in the state’s insurance exchange. These navigators are a part of the Affordable Care Act and exist to provide assistance to consumers that are seeking coverage through the state-based exchange. Navigators can only work with non-profit organizations that have no affiliation with insurance companies and are subject to a federally mandated 40 hours of training before they can assist consumers. Agency wants more…
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Texas Department of Insurance warns of rate hikes
Texas Department of Insurance predicts rate hikes for 2013 Thousands of Texans are expected to see significant rate hikes for their health insurance coverage this year, largely due to the Affordable Care Act. The Texas Department of Insurance expects that more than 163,000 consumers throughout the state will see double-digit increases in their premiums due to the provisions of the federal health care law. The law does not go into full effect until 2014, but several of its provisions will be enacted this year in an effort to ease the…
Read MoreProposed Texas state run health insurance program in the forefront
Texas may be establishing a state-run health insurance exchange, should legislation proposed by Rep. John Zerwas come to fruition. The bill would create a simplified insurance market for the state and serve as its exchange as dictated by the federal health overhaul passed the previous year. Under the plan, consumers can choose from plans that are eligible for federal subsidies, of which all will be state-regulated. Consumers can choose from plans that are eligible for federal subsidies, of which all will be state-regulated. Though opposed to the health care reforms…
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