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March 16, 2021
TAHP Opposes HB 907: Don’t Eliminate Protections of Prior Authorization
The Texas Association of Health Plans opposes House Bill 907, which creates a new, unfunded health insurance mandate that prohibits preauthorization requirements for all drugs prescribed to treat a chronic or autoimmune disease. This would eliminate most prior authorizations for prescription drugs. HB 907 is scheduled to be heard in the House Insurance Committee on Tuesday, March 16.
March 15, 2021
Health Plans Helping to Bridge the Vaccine Gap
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.
March 15, 2021
TAHP Opposes Insulin Copay Cap Mandates: A Hidden Tax on Employers
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.
March 11, 2021
The Power of Prior Authorization
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.
February 26, 2021
Containing Out-of-Control Costs – Suggestions from Bill Hammond
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.
February 4, 2021
TAHP Files Complaint Against FSER Abuses
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.
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Articles written by TAHP’s team of policy experts that examine the research, trends, and impact of the most important health care policy issues facing Texas and the country today.
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