U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said lawmakers hope to release new legislation to stop surprise medical bills by the end of March, according to The Hill.
Mr. Cassidy has been working with a group of Republicans and Democrats to address the issue, which can leave patients with high, unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Last year, Mr. Cassidy introduced the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act, and Democrat Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire separate surprise billing legislation.
Now Mr. Cassidy and Ms. Hassan, along with other lawmakers, are working together on one, revised bill, according to The Hill.
Details of the revised legislation are still being worked out, after lawmakers received input from providers, insurers, employers and consumer groups. A key issue reportedly is the amount insurers would be required to pay physicians or hospitals for services provided, and how that amount is determined.
Mr. Cassidy told The Hill arbitration is one potential solution.
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