07.01.2021 / Reporters Note

Reporters Note – Details will be key to ensuring No Surprises Act Interim Final Rule Provides Consumers with Comprehensive Protection from Surprise Medical Bills

July 1, 2021

Details will be key to ensuring No Surprises Act Interim Final Rule Provides Consumers with Comprehensive Protection from Surprise Medical Bills

Out-of-network balance billing has been an albatross around families’ necks for decades — leaving in its trail stacks of bills in the hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands of dollars — and subsequent mounting debt. Now that the first much-anticipated and incredibly important Interim Final Rule for the No Surprises Act has been released, the work begins to ensure that it will help implement this landmark legislation appropriately by fully protecting consumers from surprise medical bills.

“While it will take time to completely digest this rule, our initial impression is that it appears to recognize the significance of ensuring strong transparency, and easily understandable patient notice and consent standards,” said Jen Taylor, Senior Director of Federal Relations at Families USA. “It is also encouraging that the rule underscores the importance of setting up a system for resolving billing disputes that not only protects patients, but also prevents overall health system costs from inflating over time. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that the final rule is as strong as possible for all families.”

When Congress signed the bill into law last year, the intent was to provide consumers with comprehensive protection — while also helping contain total health care costs across the system. It is of the utmost importance that those promises are kept. As this story develops and you continue your reporting please reach out to speak with Jen or another Families USA expert.