State costs to implement health care reform at $27 billion
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Geeslin also noted that educating the public about the bill will be a massive undertaking. "This is going to be one of the largest consumer education efforts we've ever undertaken. Millions of Texans are going to have to learn how to buy health insurance."
Diana Longley of TDI laid out some points of the legislation. Under its framework, employers will be encouraged to offer insurance to their employees. Businesses with more than 50 employees who do not will pay a penalty. Longley also said as a result of the legislation, some 222,500 employers in Texas would qualify for tax credits if they begin offering insurance to their employees.
Longley said some insurance premiums could change within the next six months, but added TDI is not sure yet how much the reform will affect rates. But for people who are uninsured and those who have pre-existing medical conditions, she said insurance will be more affordable.
Wednesday's hearing was the first of what will likely be many of the health care reform bill. Sen. Jane Nelson, who chairs the Health and Human Services Committee, said the legislation will greatly affect the work of both her committee and the State Affairs Committee. It will have a significant impact on Medicaid, the eligibility system, health care workforce needs and the state budget.
