Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Article Image Alt Text

Poll finds majority in favor of federal protection from surprise medical bills

Sunday, January 26, 2020

The Daily Record’s online poll from Jan. 3 - 24 asked readers whether they think protections against surprise medical bills should be added at the federal level.

A new Texas law that aims to protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills took effect on Jan. 1. Consumer advocates have praised the law as one of the most robust set of billing protections in the nation, though it only applies to the 16% of Texans with state-regulated health insurance.

The intent of Senate Bill 1264 is to remove patients from billing disputes between state-regulated health insurance plans and health care providers.

Previously, when a health insurer declined to pay the full price charged by an out-of-network doctor for a medical procedure, the doctor could bill the patient for the remainder, or balance, of the cost. Now, insurers and health care providers must leave the patient out of billing disputes and negotiate prices for out-of-network care using an arbitration process.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, has been working on a solution for federal plans. He recently said he's encouraged Texas lawmakers have worked to solve the problem of surprise medical bills, but he called federal protections "essential."

The poll asking, “Do you think similar protections should be added at the federal level?” received a total of 84 votes, with the majority of votes — 79 percent or 66 votes — going to option “Yes, a federal protection would protect more people from surprise medical billing.” Twenty-one percent of voters chose, “No, states should be the sole regulators on insurance.”

A majority of poll voters think similar protections should be added at the federal level because it would protect more people from surprise medical billing. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think a city motorized scooter ban ordinance should be written to only affect commercial rental motorized scooter companies. It can be voted on now.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666