Louisiana House Bill HCR61

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/18
• Refer: 4/25/18

Caption

Requests the Department of Insurance to establish a task force to make recommendations for proposed legislation to address the issue of balance billing in Louisiana

Impact

The resolution aims to address the lack of sufficient protections in Louisiana law regarding balance billing, especially compared to other states. By establishing the task force, the legislature is seeking to analyze existing laws and practices in other states that effectively mitigate the challenges of balance billing. The task force will evaluate various approaches to create a legislative framework that could help protect Louisiana residents from excessive medical bills associated with out-of-network care. If successful, the proposed policy changes could lead to a more equitable healthcare system, particularly for those involved in emergencies or unforeseen medical situations.

Summary

HCR61 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced by Representative Talbot that urges the Louisiana Department of Insurance to establish a Balance Billing Policy Assessment Task Force. The objective of this task force is to research the balance billing issue in Louisiana and provide recommendations for proposed legislation and policy changes. This resolution highlights the significant issue of balance billing, which occurs when out-of-network providers bill patients for the difference between their charges and what is covered by the insurance plan. This practice presents a challenge for consumers, who may be unaware of the costs associated with out-of-network care, leading to unexpected expenses and potential financial distress.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR61 is largely positive among consumer advocacy groups and healthcare reform proponents, as it demonstrates a recognition of the financial burden that balance billing imposes on individuals seeking emergency medical care. Supporters believe the establishment of a task force is a crucial step towards developing comprehensive consumer protections. However, some concerns may arise from healthcare providers and insurance companies who may view regulatory changes as potentially burdensome or as interfering with their operational practices, thus leading to varied opinions on the resolution's implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential fiscal implications of proposed changes to how balance billing is managed in Louisiana. The task force is tasked with assessing the financial impact of various approaches and determining which solutions can be enacted without imposing additional costs on state resources. This could prompt disagreements among stakeholders regarding the balance between consumer protection and the viability of healthcare provider operations, thus making the discussions around HCR61 not only about consumer rights but also about the financial health of the healthcare ecosystem in Louisiana.