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Bill

HB 388

Relating to a uniform coordination of benefits questionnaire for health benefit plans.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 2 co-sponsors

Texas requires health insurers to use a uniform coordination of benefits questionnaire starting September 2025, standardizing how multiple insurance policies determine payment order and reducing administrative burden.

Effective on 9/1/25
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Bill Summary · HB 388

Legislative bill overview

HB 388 establishes a uniform coordination of benefits (COB) questionnaire that health benefit plans in Texas must use when determining how multiple insurance policies coordinate coverage and payment for medical claims. The bill standardizes the information-gathering process across different insurers to reduce administrative complexity and inconsistency in how COB is handled.

Why is this important

Coordination of benefits is a critical process that determines which insurance plan pays first when a person has multiple health coverage policies (e.g., employer insurance plus spouse's plan). A uniform questionnaire reduces paperwork burden on patients and healthcare providers, decreases claim denials due to incomplete or conflicting information, and lowers administrative costs for insurers—potentially resulting in lower premiums and faster claim processing.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry compliance costs: Insurers must reprogram systems and retrain staff to implement the new uniform form, which could create short-term operational expenses
  • One-size-fits-all limitations: A standardized questionnaire may not capture all relevant details for complex family situations or unique coverage scenarios, potentially requiring supplemental forms anyway
  • Implementation timeline: The September 1, 2025 effective date may be tight for larger insurers with multiple systems to update, risking non-compliance issues during the transition period

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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