New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a law designed to protect patients from large out-of-network bills after receiving emergency care at an in-network hospital, according to WSYR-TV.
The law, which takes effect immediately, requires insurers to ensure that a patient who receives care from an out-of-network provider is not charged higher out-of-pocket costs than if the provider had been in the insurance company's network, the station reported.
The law applies to emergency room visits as well as hospital inpatient services after an ER visit.
New York is among the states that have passed laws regarding out-of-network charges. Texas and New Mexico's laws take effect Jan. 1.
More articles on healthcare finance:
4 reasons for medical coders to query a provider about documentation
Healthcare organizations name their top vendors
Health and well-being coaching codes approved: 4 things to know