Washington state's proposal to address balance billing continues to move through the legislative process, according to a KOMO report.
Here are three things to know.
1. The measure requires out-of-network providers, insurers and facilities to ensure insured patients are not charged above what they would pay if their care was provided in-network, according to the report. Patients would be charged based on which one of the following is highest: the median in-network rate for their same care, the median out-of network rate for the service they received, or 175 percent of the Medicare rate.
2. KOMO reports the legislation also "requires that patients receive full disclosure of network status, and sets up an arbitration process for the insurer and the care provider, in the event of disputes."
3. The legislation passed in the state House 72-26 on Feb. 13. As of Feb. 20, it was with the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care. A full Senate vote would need to take place by March 2 for the measure to pass during the current session.
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