Legislation in Rhode Island to address surprise medical bills is garnering support from a number of state lawmakers, reports The Providence Journal.
Here are four things to know.
1. Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr. (D-North Kingstown) initially introduced the legislation, H5012.
2. Three other state lawmakers have now agreed to co-sponsor H5012, according to the report. They are House Judiciary Chairman Cale P. Keable (D-Burrillville), Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-South Kingstown), and Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Newport).
3. The legislation would allow Rhode Island's health insurance commissioner to create a process for disputed or surprise medical billing for consumer bills arising from involuntary out-of-network medical care, according to the report.
4. H5012 is modeled after similar laws passed in states such as Connecticut, New York and Florida, which have enacted laws to protect against or prohibit balance billing practices, The Providence Journal notes.
More articles on healthcare finance:
S&P issues stable outlook for nonprofit healthcare despite looming ACA repeal
Baptist Orange Hospital to close ER
Shuttered Texas hospital files for bankruptcy