AUSTIN — Representative Myra Crownover (R-Denton) filed House Bill 1269 which relates to the creation of an optional consumer-directed health plan for state employees. The bill stems from over two years of work with the Employees Retirement System of Texas as well as numerous legislators and trade associations.

"Health Savings Accounts are coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan to create a tremendous avenue for giving the consumer more control over their healthcare dollars. The private sector has been offering these for quite some time - it only makes sense that our state employees have the same access to a variety of quality health coverage options."

Similar legislation was considered last session, however the timing was not right and more background and research was necessary. With the research concluded, Crownover is excited about the introduction of the option in the state employees' healthcare package.

"This is the forward-thinking direction Texas needs to be going. I look forward to working with my colleagues in order to enact this good public policy."