Congressmen Joe Morelle and Van Taylor Propose Legislation to Prevent Surprise Billing, Increase Transparency in Healthcare

Press Release

Today, Congressmen Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) and Van Taylor (R-TX-03) proposed bipartisan legislation that would protect Americans from surprise medical bills from an out-of-network provider that are often financially crippling.

"When a medical emergency arises, the last thing a patient should be worried about is whether they'll receive a massive bill in the mail that could devastate them financially," said Congressman Morelle. "We need to end the inhumane practice of surprise billing and create a more affordable, transparent healthcare delivery system that puts patients first. I am grateful to Rep. Taylor for his partnership on this critical legislation that will provide peace of mind for families across the country."

"Americans are already struggling to afford the continually increasing cost of health care -- they shouldn't be blindsided by unexpected and hyperinflated medical bills when they unexpectedly need to see out-of-network providers," said Congressman Taylor. "Reducing out-of-pocket health care cost isn't a partisan issue and I am proud to come together with Representative Morelle to introduce this commonsense proposal that will end surprise billing and give more certainty to our constituents."

For too long, Americans have been victim to the practice of surprise billing that leaves patients with massive, unexpected charges after they receive emergency of out-of-network medical care. Often, these bills are for hundreds of thousands of dollars and can come weeks or months after a procedure, blindsiding patients and their families.

Legislation outlined by Representatives Morelle and Taylor is modeled after the first-in-the-nation consumer protection act against surprise bills enacted in New York in 2015. It would ensure patients are held harmless and prevent out-of-network providers from billing patients directly for unanticipated, out-of-network care. The legislation will also establish a system of arbitration and dictate that any disputes be resolved directly between the provider and the insurer, without involving the patient, quickly and efficiently.

Additional information about the proposed legislation is attached. The legislation has not yet been introduced.

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