October 16, 2019: MGMA and others share concerns with Congress about current surprise billing proposals

An identical letter was also sent to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. 

October 16, 2019 

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Senate Majority Leader
United States Senate
S-230 U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Charles Schumer
Democratic Leader
United States Senate
S-221 U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer:

The undersigned medical organizations remain committed to working with Congress to seek a balanced legislative solution to protect patients from unanticipated (“surprise”) medical bills that can occur when gaps in health insurance coverage lead them to receive care from out-of-network physicians or other providers. We represent hundreds of thousands of practicing physicians who provide care to millions of Americans every day in a variety of practice settings. We strongly believe that, in situations where a coverage gap occurs and patients unknowingly or without a choice receive care from an out-of-network physician or other provider, patients should be held harmless for any costs above their in-network cost-sharing, and their cost-sharing should count toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Patients should be completely removed from any subsequent payment disputes between their health insurance company and an out-of-network provider when they experience an unanticipated coverage gap.
 

View the full letter