Texas advisory panel calls for state oversight of PPO health insurance plans

A Texas commission is urging the state Legislature to protect consumers by placing all PPOs under state regulation for the first time. The staff of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission said the lack of state authority over PPOs is "outdated," and may result in harm to a large number of consumers if the situation remains unchanged. Statistics show that four out of five insured Texans now receive healthcare through preferred provider organizations.