Texas SB177 mandates health maintenance organizations and insurers to provide 24/7 telephone access for health benefit plan verifications.

Texas SB177 amends the Insurance Code to require health maintenance organizations to have appropriate personnel available at a toll-free number 24/7 for health benefit plan verifications and preauthorization requests. They must also have a telephone system to record calls when personnel are unavailable. Responses to calls must be provided within two hours. Insurers face similar requirements for preauthorization requests. Utilization review agents must also be available 24/7 by toll-free telephone to discuss patients' care and respond to review requests. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Texas SB177 mandates health maintenance organizations and insurers to provide 24/7 telephone access for health benefit plan verifications.

Texas SB177 amends the Insurance Code to require health maintenance organizations to have appropriate personnel available at a toll-free number 24/7 for health benefit plan verifications and preauthorization requests. They must also have a telephone system to record calls when personnel are unavailable. Responses to calls must be provided within two hours. Insurers face similar requirements for preauthorization requests. Utilization review agents must also be available 24/7 by toll-free telephone to discuss patients' care and respond to review requests. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.