Louisiana House Bill HB283

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Refer: 3/9/20
• Report Pass: 5/20/20

Caption

Provides relative to billing by noncontracted facility-based physicians

Impact

The impact of HB 283 on state laws is significant as it aims to protect consumers from unexpected and often exorbitant medical bills. By regulating the billing practices of noncontracted physicians, the bill seeks to create a more predictable financial landscape for patients receiving treatment in familiar healthcare settings. This legislation would empower the state's healthcare regulatory framework to better manage the interaction between facilities and physicians, ensuring that patients are not unduly penalized for the out-of-network status of their providers.

Summary

House Bill 283 specifically addresses the issue of surprise billing from noncontracted facility-based physicians who provide services within contracted healthcare facilities. The bill defines 'surprise billing' as any charge made to an enrollee or insured where the physician is not contracted with the health insurer but provides services in a facility that is. Under this bill, any facility-based physician is prohibited from charging amounts that exceed what is paid to contracted providers for similar services in the same facility.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding the bill is largely positive, especially from consumer advocacy groups who argue that it addresses a critical gap in protection for patients. Supporters believe that the bill will alleviate financial burdens on families caught off guard by surprise bills. However, there are concerns from certain healthcare providers who feel the bill might limit their compensation options, thereby impacting their ability to negotiate contracts effectively. This duality in sentiment illustrates the broader conversation about balancing patient protection with provider rights in the healthcare system.

Contention

Notable points of contention have emerged in the discussions regarding the provisions of the bill, particularly around the definitions and regulations placed upon facility-based physicians. Some stakeholders argue that the requirement for noncontracted physicians to either align with the same insurers as the facility or ensure payment from the facility may create operational challenges and limit patient options. These points highlight the ongoing debate about how best to legislate healthcare practices without compromising the quality of care or the rights of healthcare professionals.