Georgia’s New Law Targets Out-of-Network Healthcare Costs
Georgia’s new law, the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act, is set to take effect on January 1, 2021. The law aims to protect patients from “surprise” or “balance” bills that result from receiving out-of-network care from healthcare providers and facilities. These bills are often associated with specialty procedures like emergency room or trauma surgery and anesthesiology performed by out-of-network specialists. The new law prohibits balance billing in certain circumstances, such as emergency care and non-emergency care provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. However, the law does not prohibit balance billing when an insured patient receives non-emergency medical services at an out-of-network facility, whether furnished by the out-of-network facility or an out-of-network provider.
The new law is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare providers and facilities in Georgia. Providers and facilities will need to ensure that they are in compliance with the new law and that they are not engaging in balance billing practices that are prohibited under the law. Patients, on the other hand, will benefit from greater transparency and protection from unexpected medical bills.
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The new law is part of a broader effort to address the issue of surprise billing in the United States. Other states have also enacted similar laws aimed at protecting patients from unexpected medical bills. However, Georgia’s law is unique in that it applies to both healthcare providers and facilities.
In conclusion, Georgia’s new law is an important step forward in protecting patients from unexpected medical bills. The law provides greater transparency and protection for patients, while also ensuring that healthcare providers and facilities are held accountable for their billing practices. As the law takes effect, it will be important for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that it is implemented effectively and that patients can receive the care they need without fear of unexpected medical bills.
