Texas SB1156 prohibits health benefit plan issuers from favoring affiliated providers over nonaffiliated ones.

Texas SB1156 amends the Insurance Code to regulate the conduct of health benefit plan issuers concerning affiliated and nonaffiliated providers. The bill prohibits issuers from offering higher reimbursement rates to affiliated providers or requiring patients to use them for maximum benefits. It also bans certain communications encouraging patients to use affiliated providers, except when the affiliated provider offers lower rates or is part of a value-based arrangement. The provisions apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Texas SB1156 prohibits health benefit plan issuers from favoring affiliated providers over nonaffiliated ones.

Texas SB1156 amends the Insurance Code to regulate the conduct of health benefit plan issuers concerning affiliated and nonaffiliated providers. The bill prohibits issuers from offering higher reimbursement rates to affiliated providers or requiring patients to use them for maximum benefits. It also bans certain communications encouraging patients to use affiliated providers, except when the affiliated provider offers lower rates or is part of a value-based arrangement. The provisions apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.