Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020

Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020

This bill makes a series of changes related to health care costs and billing practices. Among other things, the bill

• applies the in-network cost-sharing amount to certain emergency and related nonemergency services that are provided out-of-network,
• applies the in-network cost-sharing amount to nonemergency services that are provided out-of-network at an in-network facility unless specified written notice requirements are met,
• establishes procedures for health insurance plans to negotiate reimbursement amounts paid to out-of-network providers in states without such a process,
• requires insurance plans to establish publicly available databases that list the contact information for in-network providers and facilities,
• requires health care providers and insurance plans to provide certain cost estimates for services scheduled at least three days in advance,
• requires plans to continue benefits for specified long-term care when an insurance plan's contractual relationship with a provider or facility changes or terminates,
• requires insurance plans to include specified consumer assistance and benefits information on a plan holder's membership card and maintain certain price comparison tools for in-network services,
• establishes reporting requirements related to air ambulance services,
• establishes a temporary income tax deduction for specified expenses resulting from out-of-network and emergency services.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov