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Bill

HB 2150

Relating to telephone access for certain health benefit plan verifications and preauthorization requests and for utilization review requests.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cas Garcia Hernandez

Texas bill requiring health insurers to maintain telephone access for preauthorization and claim verification with specified response timeframes to reduce administrative delays.

Referred to Insurance
#healthmaintenanceorganizations(s0853) #insurance--health&accident(i0422) #telephones&telephonedirectories(s5657)
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Bill Summary · HB 2150

Legislative bill overview

HB 2150 requires health benefit plans in Texas to establish and maintain telephone access systems for processing verifications, preauthorization requests, and utilization review requests. The bill mandates that insurers provide direct telephone lines with specified response times and staffing requirements to handle these administrative healthcare functions without unreasonable delays.

Why is this important

Healthcare delays caused by administrative barriers—particularly preauthorization requirements—can significantly impact patient care timelines and outcomes. By guaranteeing telephone accessibility, this bill addresses a common frustration where patients and providers struggle to reach insurers for urgent coverage decisions, potentially reducing treatment delays and improving the healthcare experience.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational costs: Insurers will face increased expenses maintaining dedicated telephone lines and staffing, which could be passed to consumers through higher premiums
  • Definition of "reasonable" timeframes: The bill's effectiveness depends on specific response-time standards, which may not yet be clearly defined in the text and could become subject to dispute
  • Coverage scope: Unclear whether all health plans are included (HMOs, PPOs, etc.) or if certain plan types or insurers are exempted, potentially creating unequal requirements

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

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