Texas House Bill HB4444

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to consumer protections against surprise billing.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4444 has significant implications for state laws surrounding healthcare billing practices. By adding Section 17.464 to the Business and Commerce Code, the bill aims to protect consumers from unexpected medical costs that arise from receiving treatment from non-participating providers during emergencies or within in-network facilities. These protections are essential for preventing financial hardship among patients who may not be aware of their network status when seeking emergency care.

Summary

House Bill 4444 aims to provide consumer protections against surprise billing, particularly focusing on situations where patients receive unexpected charges for services from out-of-network healthcare providers. The bill defines crucial terms such as 'surprise bill' and lays out the conditions under which a bill may be deemed misleading or deceptive. Specifically, it covers instances where out-of-network providers render services at an in-network facility or in emergency situations, requiring clear guidelines for billing practices in these contexts.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly in how it impacts healthcare providers' billing practices. While proponents argue that it is a necessary step towards transparency and fairness in medical billing, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the operational feasibility of enforcing such requirements. The bill mandates that any billing in excess of the patient's copayment, coinsurance, or deductible must adhere to clear guidelines, which could conflict with established practices of out-of-network providers.