Executive Director’s Page
Ensuring Insurance Options: State Bar Remains Committed to Aiding Attorneys
Helping members with health insurance has remained a goal of the
State Bar of Texas since the 1940s. It’s an up-and-down history that
mirrors the market that controls it—a market that has made it difficult
for us to find solutions for our solo members, the very segment of our
population that could use better health insurance options. While we have
no control over the market, we have not been deterred in our efforts. In
fact, our newest program has made significant strides.
After just six years, the Texas Bar Private Insurance Exchange has
more than 40,000 product sales. It also increased the number of products
offered from eight to 28.
Whether you’re shopping for a group or individual plan, the exchange
makes every major medical plan available to you. You might ask, “Why
should I choose the exchange over any other broker?” After all, can’t
you get the same products anywhere else? There’s some truth to that, but
you may want to consider a few factors before looking outside the
exchange.
First, the exchange offers a robust complimentary benefits package you
won’t find elsewhere. It includes:
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Telemedicine—access to a doctor anytime and anywhere with a $10 consultation fee;
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Supplemental health insurance—coverage for unforeseen out-of-pocket costs;
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$10,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage; and
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Health Advocate—helps with your claims and treatment plan to save you time and worry.
Second, the exchange has negotiated some exclusive deals and
discounts. For example, the exchange recently added health insurance
company Decent, a new entrant to the Austin market. This option is
specifically for solo practitioners in Austin, and the company plans to
expand throughout Texas in 2020. Decent plans are projected to be very
competitive in the market and will offer an exclusive discount through
the exchange.
Lastly, groups can shop the unique employer group option, the Members
Health Plan, or MHP, which may provide attractive rates for some. The
MHP has 13 customizable PPO plan options, five interchangeable
prescription plan options, an HR administration platform, and integrated
payroll solutions. The MHP is open to Texas law firms with at least one
attorney and one additional (non-spouse) full-time employee.
Rest assured that the State Bar will continue pushing to find
insurance solutions, particularly for solo practitioners. If our members
have innovative ideas they don’t think we are considering, I would like
to hear them.
The 2020 individual health insurance open enrollment period runs from
November 1 to December 15 with a coverage effective date of January 1,
2020. Go to memberbenefits.com/texasbar
and schedule an appointment with a licensed benefits counselor, who can
help you find the type of coverage that’s best for you.
If you’d like to speak with someone at the State Bar of Texas regarding
the exchange, please contact Cory Squires at cory.squires@texasbar.com.
Sincerely,
Trey Apffel
Executive Director, State Bar of Texas
Editor-in-Chief, Texas Bar Journal
(512) 427-1500
@ApffelT on Twitter
GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
A new
State Bar of Texas annual report is now available at texasbar.com/annualreport.
Catch up on highlights from the past bar year, including 2018-2019 State
Bar President Joe K. Longley’s initiatives on access to justice and
fiscal responsibility, the State Bar’s independent transparency review,
and a “By the Numbers” report on key State Bar programs and
services.
Have a question for Trey? Email it to trey.apffel@texasbar.com and
he may answer it in a future column.
