By JoAnn Volk and Sabrina Corlette

In the waning days of 2020, Congress enacted a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill (H.R. 133). Included in the measure is the “No Surprises Act,” which contains new protections for consumers from surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers. The new law establishes, for the first time, comprehensive protections in the states without their own balance billing laws and for the nearly 135 million people in self-insured plans beyond the reach of state regulators.

The provisions are extensive and include requirements for related protections regarding provider directories, continuity of care, health care cost transparency, and protections for uninsured individuals. In their latest “Expert Perspective” for the State Health & Value Strategies program, JoAnn Volk and Sabrina Corlette review provisions that have particular implications for state regulators. You can read their full article here.