TAHU Weekly News Updates from the Capitol...

With the new surprise billing ban in full effect now (it applies to fully insured plans on all services rendered after 1/1/20), the Texas Department of Insurance has been posting new resources for consumers to help them understand the law. For example, most policyholders do not know that their health plan ID card will have the letters “TDI” or “DOI” printed on it if they have a fully insured plan. It can be small and hard to find but there are some great graphic examples here: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/insurance-card-examples.html  Also, take a look at their suggestions for how to get help here: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/medical-billing/surprise-balance-billing.html.

Some of the health plans are slowing down the process because they are not processing claims on a timely basis or are denying “emergency” claims as non-emergency. Commissioner Sullivan posted this on TDI’s website and on Linked In recently - an unusual tactic for him. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/medical-billing/letter-to-health-plans.html

Finally, TAHU Past President Kelly Fristoe is doing his part to help our customers understand the new law, too. Check out his recent television interview with his local news team in Wichita Falls.  Great job, Kelly!

https://www-newschannel6now-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.newschannel6now.com/2020/01/15/law-helps-protect-patients-surprise-hospital-bills/?outputType=amp

Other Questions? Contact your TAHU lobbyists at:

Mike Meroney                                                     
Shannon Meroney
512-499-8880 (office) 
512-731-6615 (Shannon’s mobile)
Shannon@MeroneyPublicAffairs.com
512-589-2531 (Mike’s mobile)
Mike@MeroneyPublicAffairs.com