Throughout the COVID-19 Crisis, health plans have done their part to help Americans get and stay healthy. Now, they are helping to increase vaccinations, especially for the most vulnerable populations who may have the toughest time getting to vaccine sites.

insulin has been around for decades, but no generic alternatives exist. That is because the pharmaceutical companies that control the market make small tweaks to extend the patents—gaming the system, artificially inflating prices, and keeping generics off the market. Even though the original patent for insulin was bought for only $1 a hundred years ago and the average cost to produce insulin is only about $6 a vial, the average price of insulin has grown by more than $300 a vial in the last 20 years.

There are opportunities for Texas lawmakers to help lower the cost of health insurance for Texas families and employers, but broadly eliminating prior authorizations is not one of them. Unfunded government mandates that eliminate prior authorizations undermine important patient protections and drive up the cost of health coverage for Texas employers.

In a recent op-ed published by the Dallas Morning News, Bill Hammond, chief executive of Texas Employers for Insurance Reform, outlined one of the biggest problems faced by employers today: the rapidly increasing cost of health care.

As Texas Legislators meet to consider changes to Texas law, many are understandably upset about the practices of free-standing emergency rooms (FSERs). News stories of $10,000 COVID tests from FSERs have populated the headlines for months, and many want to take action.

The COVID-19 crisis reminds us of the value of affordable health insurance coverage and the peace of mind it brings to Texans and their families. Medicaid managed care has played a key role in helping provide coverage during this economic and health care crisis. Texas Medicaid managed care plans cover medical expenses, coordinate complex medical care, and help Texans stay as healthy and active as possible—all while providing caring, compassionate one-on-one support. The focus on prevention, wellness, and care coordination—getting Texans the care they need to get healthy, stay healthy, and live in their communities—has translated into better care and lower costs. As a result, millions of Texans—including children and pregnant moms—have seen improved outcomes and Texas taxpayers have saved over $5 billion.

While Big Pharma is posting record profits, too many hardworking Americans have to choose between paying their bills and accessing life-saving medicines. Today, more than 21.5 cents of every health care dollar still go to pay for prescription drug costs—more than any other health care expense. That’s why TAHP is prioritizing health insurance provider and PBM efforts to lower drug prices this legislative session.

The COVID-19 crisis has underscored just how important it is for Texas to address our systemic health care provider shortage. Before COVID-19, over 7 million Texans were already experiencing shortages of primary care and over 15 million Texans were already experiencing a shortage of behavioral health care. During the 87th Session, the Texas Association of Health Plans will be advocating to increase affordable access to high-quality health care through more options, better quality, and lower costs.

AUSTIN—Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP) CEO Jamie Dudensing issued this statement following the Texas Department of Insurance’s adoption of a rule establishing a process for an employer group or association to sponsor an employee health benefit plan: