Congressional Hearing on Ending Surprise Medical Bills
January 1, 2022
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
The Frame
This hearing served as a foundational step for federal legislation intended to prevent patients from receiving unexpected, high-cost medical bills when they receive care from providers at in-network facilities.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Patients
Patients are the primary group facing unexpected financial liability for out-of-network medical services.
Health Insurance Plans
Insurers are involved in negotiating payment rates and managing coverage for out-of-network services.
Medical Providers and Hospitals
Providers and hospitals are involved in the billing process and the determination of reimbursement rates for services rendered.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2022.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on June 12, 2019, by the House Subcommittee on Health.
- The primary focus was the discussion of H.R. 3630, the No Surprises Act.
- The hearing included testimony from patient advocates, physicians, air medical service providers, health insurance plans, and hospital associations.
- The committee reviewed mechanisms to resolve payment disputes between insurers and out-of-network providers.
- The hearing addressed the financial impact of surprise billing on patients who have no control over which providers treat them in emergency or hospital settings.
Why It Matters
This hearing served as a foundational step for federal legislation intended to prevent patients from receiving unexpected, high-cost medical bills when they receive care from providers at in-network facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'surprise medical bill'?
What was the purpose of this hearing?
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Legislative Momentum
The hearing demonstrates a bipartisan effort to address consumer protection in healthcare through the No Surprises Act.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools