On Surprise Medical Bills: Lawmakers Shouldn’t Reward Bad Insurer Behavior

The debate in Congress over surprise medical bills presents a real opportunity for lawmakers to provide a solution to a problem that can create huge financial burdens for Minnesotans. On average, 18 percent of emergency-room visits result in at least one out-of-network charge. These bills disrupt patient recovery and add financial stress to a health scare.

Americans deserve better, but Congress appears to be wavering on passing a solution that will protect patients. Instead, we are seeing a push to use the debate over surprise medical bills as an opportunity to reward insurance companies that have continually put their profits before their beneficiaries.

Two Proposals On The Table