State Looks Into Testing Real-Time Requests for Authorization

A group of Texas lawmakers wants to try issuing to workers' compensation patients identification cards that can submit medical payment requests at the point of care. Senate Bill 2211, by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and House Bill 3494, by Rep. Hugh Shine, R-Temple, proposes to test this method on injured government employees through a two-year pilot program.  Sen. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, and Sen. J.D. Sheffield, R-Gatesville, have signed on as co-sponsors of SB 2211. The bill and its House counterpart will be discussed during public committee hearings this week. T...