Lawmakers look to adopt surprise billing law at state level

Lawmakers are considering a proposal to apply federally approved language regarding surprise billing to those insurers regulated by the state.

The plan, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, follows similar language in the federal No Surprises Act that went into effect this year, specifically as it relates to prohibiting patients from receiving surprise medical bills when they receive services from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility. It also includes a mechanism for out-of-network providers and health insurers to resolve disputes.

The proposal covers insurance plans regulated by the state, such as smaller employer-provided group plans and state employee plans.

Morgan told Health News Illinois last week the proposal ensures all Illinoisans are protected from receiving surprise billing for health services.

“This provides the same sort of protection for patients and consumers to really end the practice of surprise billing that has really cost a lot of people throughout the state of Illinois a lot of money over time,” he said.

Laura Minzer, president of the Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council, said they are neutral on the proposal, which reflects their overall support for federal and state language related to surprise billing.

“We have shared feedback with both the Department of Insurance and Rep. Morgan that we think will help strengthen the provisions of (the bill) in its implementation of the (No Surprises Act), and we look forward to continuing to work with them on further refining the bill to address that feedback,” she said.

The plan unanimously passed the House’s Insurance Committee last week.