Lawmakers in both the United States House and Senate are considering two proposals to address unexpected, patient medical bills from out-of-network providers. Often referred to as “surprise medical bills” or “balance billing”, the situation arises when a patient inadvertently receives care from an out-of-network provider. Often, the patient is not aware that an out-of-network provider has rendered services until receiving the bill. According to a 2018 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 18% of inpatient admissions result in charges by out-of-network providers. For emergency room services, out-of-network services occur 24% of the time.

Originally Published in the Birmingham Medical News - June 2019.