Below is the HillCo client report from the October 21 SB 1367 Improving Access to Coverage stakeholder meeting.
 
A stakeholder meeting was held to discuss the current situation with improving access to coverage through provisions of SB 1367 (83R).
 

  • Texas Department of Insurance requested public comment on concepts for using funds allocated to TDI under SB 1367 to improve access to coverage in Texas
    • After provisions of the Affordable Care Act were implemented, the Texas Health Insurance Pool was no longer necessary
    • Funds from that pool were directed to TDI but cannot be used until legislative action is taken
  • In August, $64.4 million was transferred from the pool to TDI
  • Feedback has been received from stakeholders and was centered around a general lack of health insurance literacy
  • Two recommendations have been developed by TDI so far
    • An online resource center for the uninsured;
    • Grants to improve access to coverage
      • Asking for ideas regarding matching fund grants to improve access

 
Public Comment

  • The online resource should be focused on definitions and the basics of the insurance market
  • Community outreach may work better than an online resource
  • TDI should ask for assistance from HHSC in how to effectively reach low-income populations; they do this all the time with Medicaid and CHIP
  • Public service announcements may be a good idea
  • May want to consider giving money to people to enroll in the marketplace with the intent to wean them off little by little; may be a better way to improve coverage