WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 926

Relating to certain practices of health benefit plan issuers to encourage the use of certain physicians and health care providers and rank physicians.

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

Texas law now restricts how health insurers rank physicians and incentivize provider selection, requiring transparency in ranking practices and network steering effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#healthmaintenanceorganizations(s0853) #healthcareproviders(i0387) #insurance #commissionerof(v0396) #insurance--health&accident(i0422) #physicians(s1282)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 926

Legislative bill overview

SB 926 regulates how Texas health insurance plans can rank, incentivize, and direct patients toward specific physicians and healthcare providers. The bill establishes guidelines for health benefit plan issuers regarding their practices of encouraging use of certain providers and establishes transparency requirements around provider rankings and incentive structures.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how Texans access healthcare by controlling which doctors are prominently featured or financially incentivized within insurance networks. It impacts both patients' ability to choose providers and physicians' economic viability, while also influencing insurance company business practices and network design strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider autonomy vs. insurance efficiency: Insurance companies argue selective networks reduce costs; physicians worry about reduced patient access and arbitrary ranking criteria limiting their practice sustainability
  • Transparency standards: Disputes likely exist over what ranking methodologies must be disclosed, how detailed that disclosure should be, and whether proprietary algorithms are protected
  • Patient choice concerns: Balance between allowing insurers to incentivize cost-effective providers versus ensuring patients retain meaningful provider selection without financial penalties

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

Sign in to ask a question.