Bill To Lower Pay Of Out-Of-Network Physicians, Costs Delayed To 2020

27 Dec 2019

• By Sue Darcey

A bill meant to stop out-of-network "surprise billing" may have stalled but is likely to make a reappearance when Congress reconvenes next year according to lawmakers and experts. Despite support in key Senate and House committees, the bill hit a wall when lawmakers introduced an alternative version in the House Ways and Means Committee late in the legislative session.

A piece of legislation aimed at stopping out-of-network surprise billing by hospitals and specialty practices that stalled in the US House Ways and Means Committee is likely to make a comeback next year when Congress reconvenes.

The so-called “surprise billing” legislation was promoted heavily by the US Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and the...