The bill, titled H.B. No. 3150, aims to regulate billing and reimbursement practices for certain medical equipment, devices, and supplies provided to Medicare enrollees in Texas. It introduces Chapter 566 to the Insurance Code, which includes definitions for key terms such as "durable medical equipment," "enrollee," and "nonparticipating supplier." The bill establishes that nonparticipating suppliers cannot charge Medicare enrollees more than 115% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered items unless the enrollee agrees in writing to pay the additional amount before receiving the items. Additionally, it mandates that any written agreement must inform the enrollee about Medicare's reimbursement policies.

Furthermore, the bill creates a criminal offense for nonparticipating suppliers who intentionally violate these regulations, classifying such violations as misdemeanors punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. It also clarifies that Medicare supplement benefit plan issuers are not required to reimburse for amounts exceeding 115% of the Medicare-approved amount. The provisions of this bill will apply only to durable medical equipment or related devices sold on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

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