The association made the following recommendations to state legislators as they consider new balance billing legislation in the upcoming session:
- Increase state oversight to ensure the adequacy of insurer networks.
- Expand the current mediation process to include all out-of-network physicians and healthcare providers involved in the dispute.
- Expand the current mediation process to include out-of-network hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient clinics, freestanding emergency medical clinics and ground ambulance services.
- Require insurers notify patients of the network status of facility-based physicians prior to elective, pre-authorized services.
- Impose a standard form physicians and providers can supply to patients that details which physicians may be involved in their care and how to contact them.
- Require insurance agents educate consumers about out-of-pocket expenses and inherent limitations in the plans they purchase.
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