Congress passes surprise medical billing fix Emily Boerger | Dec 22, 2020
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Language included in the recently-passed $900 billion COVID-19 relief package will finally ban the practice of surprise medical billing – an achievement several years in the making. Congress passed the relief bill Monday night and it is awaiting President Trump’s signature.
Surprise billing happens when an individual unexpectedly receives medical care from an out-of-network provider. This can occur when a patient receives emergency services at an out-of-network emergency room, or when an out-of-network providers delivers care at an in-network facility.
A data review published by Health Affairs states that in 2014, one in five inpatient emergency department cases, 14% of outpatient visits to the ED, and 9% of elective inpatient admissions likely resulted in a surprise medical bill.