Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), and Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) have reintroduced the No Surprises Act Enforcement Act to strengthen existing protections against surprise medical bills. The original No Surprises Act, passed in 2020, aimed to protect patients and ensure a fair resolution process between health insurers and providers. However, the implementation has faced challenges.

The new legislation seeks to address these issues by closing enforcement gaps and increasing penalties for non-compliance with payment deadlines. It also aims to enhance transparency in reporting requirements.

"Surprise medical bills can have devastating economic impacts on families’ checkbooks," said Senator Marshall. "Our legislation ensures that out-of-network medical bills are resolved promptly and fairly."

Senator Bennet added, "This legislation ensures that health care providers and insurance companies are upholding their obligations under that law."

A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Greg Murphy (R-North Carolina-03), Raul Ruiz (D-California-25), John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania-13), Kim Schrier (D-Washington-8), Bob Onder (R-Missouri-3), and Jimmy Panetta (D-California-19).

Representative Murphy emphasized the need for accountability among big insurance companies: "My bill cracks down on those that are willfully defying the law."

Representative Ruiz highlighted his experience as an emergency physician: "The No Surprises Act Enforcement Act will ensure accountability for both insurers and providers."

"The No Surprises Act was the culmination of months of bipartisan work," said Representative Joyce, stressing the importance of enacting necessary penalties.

Representative Schrier noted, "The No Surprises Enforcement Act will hold insurers and providers equally responsible."

Representative Onder expressed concern over insurance companies skirting the law: "That’s unacceptable."

Representative Panetta concluded, "Our bipartisan No Surprises Act Enforcement Act would increase penalties and close enforcement loopholes."