Proposal Expanding Coverage for ER Visits Advances

HB 221 (Trujillo) requires coverage for emergency services regardless of whether the service is furnished by a participating or nonparticipating provider. The bill reduces out-of-pocket expenses associated with an issue known as 'balance billing' that can occur when patients who need emergency care are treated by providers who are not part of their insurers' networks. The bill was approved unanimously by the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee ( 12-0). A companion measure in the Senate, SB 1442 (Garcia), was filed last week. FCCB is monitoring these bills.