NEWS RELEASE
In a statement released today, Eric Linzer, HPA President & CEO, stated:
“Today’s signing of A.264-B/S.3171-A and A.8404/S.6544-A will help protect patients from excessive emergency charges by closing a loophole in the current law that had excluded hospitals.
“The existing Independent Dispute Resolution process has worked well to ensure reimbursements for emergency services are fair and reasonable while holding individuals harmless. Unfortunately, the original law did not include charges from out-of-network hospitals, leaving patients saddled with significant unanticipated out-of-pocket costs from some institutions far in excess of what would be considered reasonable.
“Adding emergency hospital services will provide consumers with relief from unwarranted and excessive surprise medical bills. This is a balanced approach in extending the law and providing an important safeguard for New Yorkers.”