University City Democrat's bill addresses unexpected out-of-network health billings

(From Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City)

State Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, recently filed Senate Bill 944, which relates to out-of-network health care.

The legislation modifies the definition of “unanticipated out-of-network care” to no longer require that the patient arrive at the in-network facility with an emergency medical condition. 

This bill also specifies that “unanticipated out-of-network care” also includes when a patient is transferred from an in-network provider to an out-of-network provider if that provider is the only one who can provide life-saving or life-sustaining treatment.

“I have heard several stories of patients receiving surprise bills for care they received in situations in which they had no control if the provider was an in-network provider,” Sen. Williams said. 

“It is unconscionable to think that in an emergency situation, a patient must consider if their health care insurance will cover these services, or receive an astronomical bill a few weeks later. I am hopeful this legislation will help ease that burden on patients so they don’t have to worry about receiving surprise medical bills.”