TSHL 101 with Speaker Pro Tem Charles Scoma (Part 1)

Today on TSHL 101 Today’s episode of TSHL 101 brought an in‑depth conversation with Charles Scoma, Speaker Pro Tem of the Texas Silver‑Haired Legislature, who joined us to break down three major proposals he is advancing for the upcoming legislative session—each one aimed at easing financial and quality‑of‑life pressures on older Texans. Charles began with a resolution that could significantly reshape how homeowners’ insurance premiums are calculated in Texas. Under his proposal, insurers would base premiums solely on the value of the structure, not the total property value. He explained that this shift could reduce costs for older Texans by 30 to 40 percent, offering meaningful relief at a time when many households are struggling to keep up with rising expenses. He also noted the complexity behind current insurance pricing. Premiums today reflect a mix of factors—natural exposure, inflation, neighborhood values, and broader market conditions. Removing land value from the equation would lower costs for homeowners, but Charles emphasized that insurers would still need appropriate premium factors to maintain stability in the market. While existing companies might resist the change due to potential losses, he believes the resolution could attract new insurers to Texas, increasing competition and consumer choice. The conversation turned to the broader forces driving insurance rates upward. Gary Gerstenhaber pointed to COVID‑era home‑buying patterns and inflationary pressures that reshaped the housing market. Charles added that Texas saw a surge of out‑of‑state buyers seeking better value, pushing property values—and insurance costs—higher. But he stressed that homeowners cannot continue absorbing these increases indefinitely. Charles also walked listeners through the structure of Texas’s insurance oversight. The state currently relies on a single insurance commissioner, appointed by the governor. His proposal explores expanding that structure to a three‑member commission, which could provide broader oversight and reduce the influence of any single decision‑maker. He also raised concerns about the practice of insurance companies implementing rate increases before they receive official approval—an issue he believes deserves legislative attention. Coming Up Next Week Be sure to join us again next week as Charles returns to continue the conversation. He’ll walk us through his second proposal, which focuses on expanding rural transportation options for older Texans. By leveraging federal programs such as 5310 and 5311, the goal is to improve mobility, independence, and access to essential services in communities where transportation gaps are most severe. We’ll also explore his third proposal, centered on improving health literacy statewide. Charles highlighted that less than 5% of current medical school training addresses geriatric health issues. His resolution calls for expanded geriatric education in medical schools and healthcare settings, ensuring that providers are better prepared to meet the needs of an aging population. Share Your Experience We want to hear from you. If you’ve faced challenges with homeowners’ insurance, rural transportation, or navigating the healthcare system, your story can help shape future conversations. Share your thoughts in the comments—or, if you prefer a more private way to reach us, email [email protected] or call (254) 526‑1874. Your voice helps guide the work of the Texas Silver‑Haired Legislature, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the conversation.