MAY 14, 2015, 11:38 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015, 11:45 PM
BY LINDY WASHBURN AND DUSTIN RACIOPPI
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
Pushback came from many sides Thursday as Democratic lawmakers in Trenton unveiled a plan to corral high out-of-network charges and protect consumers from surprise medical bills when they go to the hospital.
A chain of Hudson County hospitals called the bill “a massive gift to large insurance companies.” The state medical society said it would have “a dangerous and deleterious effect on health care quality in New Jersey.” It labeled a provision that would have an arbitrator settle billing disputes “an insult.”
Hundreds of millions of dollars is at stake as the measure seeks to limit the amount hospitals and doctors can charge for their services. The measure calls for full written disclosure of expected charges for hospital patients and creation of a database to set the limits on what out-of-network providers can charge insurance companies. It would prevent patients from being charged more than the in-network rate for any service when they chose an in-network hospital and doctor for their care.
The savings — to patients, insurers, and those who pay for insurance coverage, including state and local governments and school systems — could be enormous. Opponents, however, say it could drive hospitals and doctors out of business.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/n-j-doctors-fight-plan-to-limit-hospital-bills-1.1335058
