Bill
H 1144
Overview: H 1144, "An Act to protect health care consumers from surprise billing", was accompanied by a new draft (H4619) and introduced on February 27, 2025.Purpose and Intent: Th
Overview: H 1144, "An Act to protect health care consumers from surprise billing", was accompanied by a new draft (H4619) and introduced on February 27, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to address the issue of surprise medical bills, where patients receive unexpected and often high-cost bills for out-of-network services received during emergency care or at in-network facilities. The goal is to protect consumers from these unanticipated expenses and ensure more transparent and fair billing practices.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits health care providers and facilities from billing patients for the difference between the provider's charges and the amount the insurer pays for out-of-network emergency services
- Requires insurers to cover out-of-network emergency services at the same cost-sharing rate as in-network services
- Establishes an independent dispute resolution process to determine appropriate payment rates for out-of-network services
- Mandates greater transparency from providers and insurers regarding network status and cost-sharing information
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily affect health care consumers, health insurance providers, and health care providers (both in-network and out-of-network). It aims to reduce the financial burden on patients and increase transparency in the health care system.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill was accompanied by a new draft (H4619) and is currently in the legislative process. The independent dispute resolution process and other provisions would be implemented within a specified timeframe after the bill's enactment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
