Surprise Medical Billing
I am writing to express my deep concern over health insurance industry-backed proposals in Congress to address surprise medical billing by allowing private health insurers to set artificially low reimbursement rates to providers, a process called “rate setting.” If such a policy were adopted into law, it would result in reduced access and care for those patients most in need.
Surprise Medical Billing affects millions of Americans each year who need urgent, often life-saving medical care, but come to discover weeks or months later that their insurance company is sticking them with a back-breaking bill for their treatment. I personally experienced this with an issue involving blood clots in recent years. Unfortunately, many of the plans being discussed in Congress are hand-outs to insurance companies who are more concerned with profit-seeking than ensuring patients have the care they need. This could jeopardize the number and quality of doctors and health care facilities, especially in rural areas where residents already have reduced options.
Surprise Medical Billing is an urgent issue needing congressional action. But, legislation giving what amounts to a cash giveaway to insurance companies isn’t the answer. Legislation should prioritize patients’ health care professionals who are on the front lines of saving lives. To end the financial strain that comes with surprise medical bills, Congress should endorse a tried-and-true plan of Independent Dispute Resolution.
This deserves thorough debate and deliberation in Congress. I have confidence that Congressman Wenstrup and Senator Portman will fight for this issue. We should embrace the value that a fair market-driven solution can provide for patients, providers, and insurers through Independent Dispute Resolution.
