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The Virginia General Assembly is determined to prevent surprise balance billing. In anticipation of the 2019 session, the Health Insurance Reform Commission (HIRC) convened a work group to examine the issue. Legislators were clear - physicians must develop a patient-friendly solution or Virginia would prohibit balanced billing completely.
MSV is fighting for a fair solution for patients and doctors. SB 1763 introduced by Sen. Sturtevant and HB 1714 introduced by Del. Lee Ware would address emergency balanced billing. The bills would protect patients from balanced billing and ensure physicians are paid a directly. In addition, the bills would pay providers a fair and reasonable amount.
MSV is working with the entire physician, patient, and hospital community to advocate for patient-friendly solutions that also secure reasonable and sustainable reimbursements. The health plans have blocked our efforts to protect patients in this legislation. We are down to one bill- SB 1763 (Sturtevant). SB 1763 passed the Senate unanimously and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
Pro-Patient House Bill
HB 1714 (Ware) was the House version of this bill and successfully reported out of House Commerce and Labor Committee. The bill was sent to the House Committee on Appropriations due to Anthem raising speculative financial concerns about the state employee health plan. Anthem applied substantial pressure of future risk which resulted in the Appropriations Committee not hearing the bill.
House of Medicine Wins
Emergency Balance Billing Leave Behind
Lawmakers Hear Bills to Protect Patients from Balanced Billing - January 17, 2019
Virginia Lawmakers Seek Solution for Surprise Balance Billing - September 20, 2018