OTHER LEGISLATIVE NEWS:

Learn more about Managed Medical Assistance

Top 10 Reasons to Stop the Balance Billing Rip-Off

  • Florida’s Insurance Commissioner and Insurance Consumer Advocate are advocating for reforms to Florida statutes dealing with balance billing.

  • Health plans develop provider networks - hospitals, clinics, physicians etc.- to provide consumers an array of provider options with more affordable and competitively priced coverage.

  • Providers who cannot meet requirements or choose not to participate may charge patients any amount - even in excess of benchmark Medicare rates – called “surprise” or “balance” billing.

  • Imagine suffering a life-threatening condition and being taken to and out-of-network emergency room. You could be subject to thousands of dollars in balance bills and be unaware even though your plan covers emergency services; you may have been completely unconscious!

  • Floridians with HMO plans are protected under Florida law.  However, PPO members are fair game to be hit with unexpected and often exorbitant charges, even in emergency situations when they are taken to the nearest facility.

  • A PPO policyholder could undergo surgery at an in-network-hospital but unknowingly receive anesthesia from and out-of-network anesthesiologist and be subject to huge out-of-pocket bills.

  • Often PPO members- sometimes even HMO members - receive balance bills despite prohibitions. Afraid of ruining their credit, members sometimes pay improper billings.

  • There is no liability or enforcement mechanism in Florida law against balance billing violations. This is a license to steal for unscrupulous providers.

  • PPOs are good products that have received the support of the major medical associations for many years.

  • While PPO and HMO products require certain state and federal disclosures, additional consumer protections and transparency are needed for Floridians.

 

Read HB 221 by Rep. Carlos Trujillo.

Follow the progress of HB 221.


News About Surprise Balance Billing Legislation

Jan 19
FAHP Releases Statement Urging Lawmakers to Vote in Favor of Balance Billing Reform

Balance Billing Proposal Gets Senate Sponsor
Health News Florida


Ban ‘balance billing’ in emergencies, state advocate says.
 By Charles Elmore - Palm Beach Post Staff Writer


Balance Billing Solution Proposed -- 
Health News Florida Carol Gentry


Health insurance advisory board wants consumer protections
 -- Health News Florida - Carol Gentry


SouthFlorida
SunSentinel 
Health care burden compounded by surprise medical bills
- Bill Herrle  National Federation of Independent Business 


Audrey Brown: Support bill to end unfair balance billing