A newly passed bill that aims to end balance billing practices in California has prompted action from Washington state, reports KING 5.
The state's insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler, released a statement Wednesday promising to propose similar legislation next year, according to the report.
"I intend to make sure that Washington state is the next in line," Mr. Kreidler said.
Bill AB 72 in California would require physicians bill patients at in-network rates, or 125 percent of the Medicare rate, if a patient inadvertently receives care from an out-of-network physician, such as an assisting surgeon or anesthesiologist. The bill was approved by California lawmakers this week and is expected to be signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown (D).
The upcoming legislative session will be Mr. Kreidler's second attempt at passing a bill to end balance billing practices. Last legislative session, he wanted lawmakers to pass HB2447, which would have required insurance companies and providers to resolve disputes about out-of-network fees through arbitration, according to a KGW report.
However, his proposal failed after physicians, hospitals and insurance companies came out against the measure. According to KGW, medical providers and insurance companies were concerned arbitration and its related costs would be high and ultimately result in higher healthcare prices.
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