As the debate on surprise billing stalls in Congress, a new survey aims to help renew talks, according to Vox.
The poll — conducted by research firm Perry-Undem for the consumer group Families USA — surveyed 1,000 registered voters in October.
Researchers found that more than 4 in 10 Americans have experienced a surprise out-of-network medical bill, and nearly 8 in 10 of those say the bill was difficult to pay or that they couldn't pay it.
Additionally, nearly 9 in 10 Americans support Congress passing surprise-billing legislation and feel it is important that their elected officials support such legislation, according to the poll. The support for passing surprise-billing legislation carried across party lines.
Respondents also said they prefer, more than 9-1, surprise-billing legislation that pays physicians and hospitals based on the market rate for that service in the area and that this solution would be less likely to lead to higher premiums.
The findings come after House and Senate committees advanced their surprise-billing legislation this summer.
A House aide told Vox there hasn't been any movement on the legislation. Families USA and other consumer advocates seek to reignite the debate by using the poll results that reiterate the surprise-billing problem and people's desire to fix it, Vox reported.
Learn more about the poll results here.
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