State Rep. Robin Smith and State Sen. Bo Watson on Thursday announced they will reintroduce legislation for the 2021 legislative session to end the practice of surprise or unexpected medical billing in Tennessee.
This proposal removes patients from the process of resolving billing disputes between providers and payers and directly affects citizens with insurance who receive services provided by out-of-network providers in emergency situations.
“This solution will realign the role of patients and providers within our current health care marketplace to prioritize them, not insurance companies,” said Chairman Smith. “Tennesseans shouldn’t have to worry about a surprise or unexpected medical bill, and this legislation will eliminate this practice that often reflects network battles outside patient awareness.”
Under the bill, payers would also be required to make an initial payment to the provider; should a billing dispute arise, the Department of Commerce & Insurance will establish a dispute resolution process between insurance companies and the billing healthcare provider without patient involvement.
“Too many Tennesseans have been hit with costly surprise medical bills at a time when they are most vulnerable," said Senator Watson. "Like President Trump, we believe it is time to end this practice. This legislation helps to protect patients from financial strain by establishing a process that keeps patients out of billing disputes so they can focus on their health rather than unexpected medical bills.”
The 112th Tennessee General Assembly officially begins at noon on Jan. 12, 2021.