States across the nation continue to eye legislation regulating balance billing practices as patients take on more financial responsibility for their care.
Here are five recent balance billing legislative updates, reported since April.
1. Massachusetts lawmakers consider balance billing legislation
The Massachusetts Senate adopted legislation that targets balance billing. The legislation must still make it onto the state budget.
2. Texas governor signs legislation on surprise billing, mediation efforts
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation targeting surprise medical billing, effective Sept. 1. Senate Bill 507 aims to curb balance billing practices by expanding mediation protections for consumers.
3. Arizona governor signs surprise billing law
Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation into law designed to help eliminate surprise medical bills. Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, sponsored the legislation, known as Senate Bill 1441.
4. North Dakota law addresses surprise air ambulance billing
Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation addressing air ambulance billing. Senate Bill 2231 requires hospitals to notify non-emergent patients which air ambulance providers are considered in-network.
5. Oregon House passes surprise billing legislation
An Oregon bill targeting surprise billing gained approval in the House by a narrow margin. House Bill 2339 was primarily approved along party lines.