Texas balance billing legislation is now in effect across the state, according to The Texas Tribune.
Here are three things to know.
1. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 507 in May, and the legislation took effect Sept. 1.
2. The bill specifically addresses surprise bills from freestanding emergency centers. Under the bill, freestanding emergency rooms must post notice of any insurance networks they're part of, according to the report. Texas Association of Health Plans CEO Jamie Dudensing, CEO of the Texas Association of Health Plans, said in the report freestanding emergency centers may post this information online, but must also provide written confirmation to patients.
3. The Texas Association of Health Plans has also previously said the bill expands mediation protections for consumers with preferred provider organization plans to all out-of-network emergency providers. This includes freestanding emergency rooms as well as out-of-network providers at in-network facilities.