Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill they say aims to bolster the No Surprises Act by ensuring health insurers "reimburse providers promptly so costs are not passed along to patients."
Sen. Roger Marshall, MD, of Kansas and Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, alleged in a Dec. 16 news release that payers are not following the process outlined in the 2020 federal law.
The proposed No Surprises Act Enforcement Act would:
- Close enforcement gaps through increased penalties with noncompliance of statutory payment deadlines.
- Provide parity between penalties imposed against parties noncompliant with statutory patient protection provisions.
- Increase transparency in reporting requirements.
"The idea that health insurers are breaking the law and unfairly punishing patients and providers is beyond the pale," Dr. Marshall said in the release. "Our legislation ensures that out-of-network medical bills are resolved promptly and fairly, with enhanced penalties for any failure by the health insurers to do so."
A version of the proposed legislation was also introduced in the House of Representatives in September.