Surprise medical bills occur when out-of-network provider fees exceed what health insurance plans are willing to cover – the difference resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Between 2014 and 2017, it is estimated the average surprise medical bill could be anywhere from $220 to $628. The problem is particularly pronounced in emergency room visits and emergency surgeries […]
surprise billing
Town Hall — Congress Has Finally Acted on Surprise Medical Billing: It’s a Start
One of the most significant problems facing patients and their access to quality healthcare is the threat of a surprise medical bill or balance billing. Between 2018 and 2020, 41 percent of insured Americans received an unexpected medical bill with two-thirds of Americans worrying they will be unable to afford an unexpected medical expense. Recognizing that […]
Real Clear Health: Patients Need Transparent Pricing from Surprise Bills
Action must be taken by health insurance companies to protect and work in the interest of their clients. We need price transparency in the healthcare market. In many cases consumers who have insurance are asked to sign a waiver that makes them responsible for any charge later found not to be covered by their insurance […]
Coalition Letter on Surprise Billing
Today, ACI joined a coalition of more than a dozen consumer, tax and free-market organizations to sent a letter to the House and Senate regarding surprise medical billing. You can read the letter online.
Coalition Letter to the Senate on Surprise Medical Billing
Surprise medical billing needs to end. But we must be skeptical of any proposal that caps rates and opens the door further for socialized medicine. At the same time, our healthcare system cannot afford an overly simplistic and unproven approach that would likely have negative effects on patients, doctors, and hospitals while granting more power […]