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Senate committee rejects extension of bariatric-surgery pilot program
Summary
The Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee on a voice vote rejected House Bill 13‑62, which would have extended a bariatric-surgery pilot through Dec. 31, 2026. Supporters cited program benefits and usage data; opponents said prior task-force findings showed unsustainable costs.
Senate Insurance & Commerce committee members voted against House Bill 13‑62, a sponsor-led effort to extend a pilot program covering certain bariatric procedures through Dec. 31, 2026.
Sponsor Senator Hammer told the committee the bill "would extend it to 12/31/2026," and reviewed usage data and program costs to date. He said the program has shown growth in enrollment and offered the committee figures describing prior years' recipients and program outlays.
Senator Ervin urged members to oppose the extension, saying the program had already been criticized by a task force for high costs. "I don't like this," Ervin said, arguing the program had been "off into the ditch" and that allowing the pilot to continue would be "financially irresponsible." Ervin warned the costs would be shifted to other members of insurance plans.
Other members raised policy and fiscal questions; Senator Teague noted that some insurers experimenting with such surgeries have reported net savings, while others highlighted uncertainty about long-term costs. After discussion, a motion to "do pass" was called and the committee conducted a voice vote. The chair announced, "The bill has failed." The transcript does not contain a roll-call tally.
Because the committee rejected the measure, no committee amendment or further routing was recorded for the bill in this hearing. The committee did not take public testimony on the item.
The committee moved on to other items on its calendar following the vote.
