Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Following Months Of Pressure From Hospitals, House Committee May Add Arbitration To Surprise Medical Bill Legislation
Modern Healthcare: House Panel To Vote On Arbitration Backstop For Surprise Medical Bills
The House Energy and Commerce Committee will consider adding an arbitration option to its proposed ban on surprise medical bills above $1,250, congressional sources told Modern Healthcare. The late-breaking amendment follows months of pressure from hospitals and physicians. The amendment from Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) has been approved by committee leaders even though they originally settled on a cap to out-of-network treatment through payment tied to a median in-network rate. (Luthi, 7/16)
Politico Pro: House Committee Strikes 11th-Hour Deal On Surprise Billing
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is planning a last-minute change to its legislation limiting “surprise” medical bills, after striking a deal to win over skeptical members worried the proposal would be too harsh on providers. The committee Tuesday afternoon privately agreed to alter how the bill governs payment disputes between providers and health plans, four sources briefed on the deal said. The legislation, which sets a benchmark rate for resolving payment disputes, would now let providers appeal to an arbiter in certain cases. (Cancryn and Roubein, 7/16)
CQ: CBO: Senate Health Costs Bill Would Save Billions Over Decade
The Congressional Budget Office on Tuesday said a Senate bill that is designed to prohibit surprise medical bills and lower prescription drug costs would save $7.6 billion over a decade. The measure (S 1895) was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in June and could get a floor vote as soon as this month, although lawmakers are still discussing potential changes. (McIntire, 7/16)
Bloomberg: Anthem’s Fight With Doctors Shows Risks For Surprise-Billing Fix
Doctors fighting a reimbursement battle with one of the biggest U.S. health insurers want to make sure that ending surprise medical bills doesn’t come at the expense of their pay. Anthem Inc. cut payments to some California physicians last month as part of what it called a routine adjustment to fees. Physicians say the move was the result of a 2016 state law that keeps patients from being forced to pay the difference when insurance companies and care providers clash over health costs. (Tozzi, 7/16)
