The Trust sponsors three different types of health insurance plans for attorneys and their employees. A Traditional Fee-for-Service plan is available to all attorneys and employees of law firms across the state. Additionally, attorneys and law firm employees living in "network" cities have the option of two types of managed care plans - HMO and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Under the Fee-for-Service plan you can go to the doctor or hospital of your choice and benefits are payable for all eligible medical expenses following satisfaction of a calendar year deductible. If you are covered under the PPO plan you can still go to the physician or hospital of your choice; however, choosing from the physicians and hospitals included in the network of Participating Providers will save you money. The HMO plan requires that you always utilize network providers in order to receive benefits. This is the most restrictive plan.
Solo practitioners or attorneys who apply for coverage only for themselves and their family members (without including employees of the law firm) must be able to show medical evidence of good health in order to obtain coverage under the Traditional Fee-for-Service plan or the PPO plan and should complete the Aetna Individual Application. They are not eligible for coverage under the HMO plan. Attorneys and employees that apply together as an Eligible Small Employer (a law firm with at least 2, but not more than 50 individuals) are issued coverage without regard to health status related factors. Such Small Employers may apply for coverage under any of the health insurance plans available through the Trust.
View brochures below:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
- Attorneys - All members of the State Bar of Texas.
- Employees - All employees of an "Eligible Employer Unit" who are working full-time (30 hours or more per week). An "Eligible Employer Unit" is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation engaged primarily in the practice of law with at least one full-time employee who is not a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Eligible Dependents Spouse and unmarried children less than 25 years old. Children include legally adopted children and step-children and foster children who depend on the attorney/employee for support and maintenance. Children also includes grandchildren if they are considered dependents for federal income tax purposes.
HOW TO BEGIN THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
You may request more complete information by using our online request form or by downloading the corresponding applications listed below.
Individual Health plans are subject to medical underwriting. The Aetna Individual Application process takes approximately 10 to 14 working days. If you and your family members are approved for Individual Health Insurance, Aetna will notify you directly.
Health Insurance coverage for Small Employer law firms is guaranteed issue. The rates are determined separately for each law firm. To request estimated base prices please complete the Small Business Quote Request Forms. Please allow 3 working days for estimated base rates.
All applications for Individuals and Small Employer Groups will need to be completed and returned to:
State Bar of Texas Insurance Trust
206 E. 9th Street, Suite 1501
Austin, Texas 78701
Local: (512) 479-0941
Houston: (713) 224-4024
Ft.Worth: (817) 654-3347
Toll-Free: 1-800-460-7248
FAX: (512) 479-4109
This is not a complete description of the plan. For additional information including benefits, limitations and exclusions contact the Trust Office for a brochure. After you enroll, you will be issued a Group Insurance Certificate describing your coverage in greater detail. The complete terms of the coverage will be governed by the group insurance contract issued to the State Bar of Texas Insurance Trust by the carrier.