Americans continue to struggle with rising health care costs, including high deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. As such, a balanced solution for cost-sharing between patients, physicians and health plans is a priority for organized neurosurgery. Patients deserve access to the physicians of their choice, which at times may require seeking care from out-of-network physicians. Unfortunately, the current health care delivery system, with its arcane rules, narrow networks, and lack of transparency, often leaves patients vulnerable. As physicians, we can and must do better, to assure that our patients are not left with unanticipated medical bills that can soar into the thousands of dollars, leaving them financially vulnerable.
For this reason, the CNS and the AANS have joined forces with several other specialty medicine colleagues to support a public outreach and grassroots campaign on the issue of surprise medical bills. Out of the Middle is a coalition of leading health care provider groups, who are advocating on behalf of the millions of patients they care for every day.
Congress is working to protect patients from getting surprise medical bills. But, if it’s not done right, your access to care could be in jeopardy. Health insurers will be the big winners – leaving patients like you out in the cold. If insurers have their way, patients will have fewer choices, less quality and health care could become more expensive when you need it most.
Physicians across the country are calling on Congress to pass legislation modeled after New York’s successful law, which is a market-based solution that encourages health plans and physicians to negotiate their billing disputes expeditiously. The Protecting People From Surprise Medical Bills Act (H.R. 3502) is the best solution to protecting patients.
Join the conversation at #PatientsOverProfits.
