About Surprise Billing
The No Surprises Act protects people covered under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills for most emergency services, non-emergency services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and services from out-of-network air ambulance service providers. While California hospitals are already leaders in ensuring patients understand their out-of-pocket costs and offering clear, written discount and charity care policies to help certain patients, new AHA guidelines are a way for hospitals to reinforce their commitment.
Biden Administration Announces Initiative to Reduce Medical Debt Burden
On April 11, Vice President Kamala Harris announced actions intended to reduce the burden of medical debt. These actions include:
CMS Issues Updated No Surprises Act FAQs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two new No Surprises Act FAQs this week.
Reminder: Sign AHA’s Patient Billing Pledge Today
CHA urges member hospitals and health systems to commit to the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) voluntary patient billing guidelines.
DMHC Issues All Plan Letter with No Surprises Act Guidance
On March 21, the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) issued an All-Plan Letter (APL) providing guidance related to state enforcement of certain provisions of the No Surprises Act (NSA).
Reminder to Sign AHA Surprise Billing Pledge
Last week, CHA sent an email to member hospitals and health systems, urging them to commit to the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) voluntary patient billing guidelines.
Texas District Court Rules in Favor of Providers in No Surprises Act Legal Challenge
A Texas District Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of hospitals and providers in a suit brought by the Texas Medical Association challenging the administration’s Sept. 30, 2021, interim final rule (IFR).
CHA Comments on Draft Department of Managed Health Care No Surprises Act All Plan Letter
CHA has provided comments to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) on its draft All Plan Letter (APL) on No Surprises Act (NSA) enforcement.
CMS Issues Letter Detailing California’s Role in No Surprises Act Enforcement
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a letter detailing the No Surprises Act (NSA) provisions that it will solely enforce and those that California and CMS will enforce collaboratively.
CMS to Host Open Door Forum for Providers on Balance Billing Under the No Surprises Act
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host an open door forum for providers on the balance billing provisions of the No Surprises Act on Jan. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. (PT).
Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Issues No Surprises Act Enforcement Bulletin
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has issued a bulletin indicating that it will monitor the practices of entities involved in the collection of or credit reporting on medical debt as it relates to the No Surprises Act.