Testimony on TDI and OPIC Sunset Bills
Author:
Stacey Pogue /(512) 320-0222 x 117
March 21, 2011
OPIC Sunset Bill, SB 647 >>
TDI Sunset Bill, SB 644 >>
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and Office of Public Insurance Council (OPIC) are under “Sunset review” this session and must be reauthorized by the Legislature to continue. Both agencies are needed to protect Texas insurance consumers.
The Affordable Care Act, or national health reform, will significantly change the health insurance market over the next few years, increasing both access to and affordability of health insurance, especially for people who do not have access to job-based insurance. Changes must occur at TDI and OPIC as well, as the state takes on new roles and functions necessary to successfully implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Sunset process provides an opportunity for legislators and the public to rethink the roles of these vital agencies and give them the tools needed to protect consumers and foster competition in a changing health insurance market.
Stacey Pogue provided testimony to the Senate Government Organization Committee on both the TDI Sunset bill (SB 644) and the OPIC Sunset bill (SB 647), explaining the importance of the agencies and changes needed to better equip the agencies to protect Texas consumers.