Sisolak signs bill to rein in "surprise billing" [View all]

Gov. Steve Sisolak signed a bill into law Wednesday that would clamp down on “surprise billing,” a practice that allows out-of-network health care providers to gouge patients in need of emergency care.

Assembly Bill 469 would limit the amount out-of-network providers can charge in such circumstances to no more than a patient’s insurance co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible. It also establishes a course of action for third party providers to transfer patients to an in-network hospital or independent center for emergency care within 24 hours, and procedures to work out payments between insurers and third-party providers.

If the now-out-of-network provider previously had a contract with the insurer, the legislation also leaves insurers on the hook to pay a percentage of the contracted rate.

“If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, the last thing you’re worried about is making sure the provider treating you at the nearest hospital is in your insurance network. If it’s not, you can be hit with an outrageously high bill for your emergency care without knowing it, even though you have health insurance,” said Sisolak. “No Nevadan should have to worry about getting hit with an unexpected five-figure medical bill for receiving emergency care that their life could depend on,” calling the bill “an important step” in making health care more affordable.

Read more: https://www.nevadacurrent.com/blog/sisolak-signs-bill-to-rein-in-surprise-billing/