Chairman Jay Dean Supports Governor Abbott’s New Health Insurance Reforms Designed to increase coverage and reduce costs for Texas families

Today at a small business in Fort Worth, Governor Abbott announced his support for a health insurance proposal designed to reduce premiums and expand affordable coverage options for Texas families and small businesses.

Health insurance costs have continued to climb, making it increasingly difficult for Texas employers – especially small businesses – to offer health benefits to their employees. As a result, more Texans are left without insurance or forced to purchase more expensive coverage on their own.

As Chairman of the Texas House Insurance Committee, Chairman Jay Dean is committed to increasing access to affordable, quality health insurance options for Texas businesses and families.

“I appreciate the Governor’s leadership here,” Chairman Dean said. “He is absolutely right. We need to give Texans and small business employers more choices. This proposal will help get more Texans covered, more Texans access, and more Texans healthy, while bringing down costs for everyone.”

Last Session, during his first Session as Insurance Chair, Dean worked on a similar proposal but ran out of time before the legislative session concluded. While some raised concerns that such a proposal could weaken existing insurance protections, Chairman Dean emphasized that this legislation does not make any changes for existing plans.

“The reality is Texans who cannot afford health insurance today don’t benefit from any protections because they have no coverage at all,” Dean said. “The goal here is simple: give Texas businesses and families more choices by creating quality, essential health coverage at a variety of price points.”

Dean compared it to buying a family car.

“For many Texas families, a Cadillac just isn’t in the budget,” Dean said. “But a reliable used pickup truck will still get you where you need to go. This doesn’t take away anyone’s Cadillac. It simply gives Texans another option they can actually afford if they don’t currently have any car at all.”

With Governor Abbott’s support, Chairman Dean is confident the Legislature can work together to deliver coverage options at affordable prices for Texans. “I’m ready to get to work!” Dean said. This proposal will be considered during the 90th Legislative Session, which begins in January 2027.

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Since 2017, Rep. Jay Dean has served Gregg, Harrison, and Marion Counties. He lives in Longview, where he previously served as Mayor and on the City Council. Dean has been a small business owner in the oil and gas field services industry and currently serves as General Manager of Thomas Oilfield Services. He and his wife Pokie have three grown daughters, many grandchildren, and proudly helped found their church St. Matthew’s of Longview.