New Texas Laws and You

The 140-day Texas legislative session flew by--a blur of busyness. So too did this summer. Now, September is around the corner. With it's arrival, many new laws go into effect. So what changes do you need to know about? Here are some of the changes that will most impact Texans age 50+ and their families:

Surprise medical billing: Texas consumers have been being charged expensive, out-of-network fees for medical care they receive at in-network facilities. Among other measures, a new law now makes charges of at least $500 eligible for mediation.

Home- and community-based assistance: A waiting list of low-income seniors needing help with an array of services is no more. Now more older Texans can the help they need at home rather than in a nursing home.

Nursing homes: A new “three-strikes” law keeps Texans who are in nursing homes safer, removing operating licenses of nursing facilities that incur three or more of the most serious violations over a 24-month period.