WASHINGTON – Today, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and the top Republican on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s proposed rule for implementing on the ban on surprise medical billing:

“Patients have every reason to cheer as our ban on surprise billing, the most critical patient protection in decades, takes a step forward.

“Finally, families suffering a medical crisis will no longer be taken by surprise with a financial one, thanks to the first-ever advanced explanation of benefits, and a fair arbitration process that takes patients out of the middle of billing disputes. 

“We will review the Administration’s plan, with special focus on ensuring that they adhere to the unified House Ways and Means Committee’s trailblazing efforts to get patients the protection and transparency they deserve.”

Background:

• In December 2020 Congress passed, and President Trump signed, the No Surprises Act to put an end to the nefarious practice of surprise medical billing.
• Building on Republicans’ history of strong patient-centered reforms, the No Surprises Act received bipartisan support and ensures that no patient will ever have to delay care or fear financial ruin because of a surprise bill.
• The No Surprises Act is the most significant patient protection that actually lowers the cost of care in the 21^st Century.
• The No Surprises Act is fair and lowers the price of health care services for consumers by ending abusive practices that drive up premiums and out-of-pocket costs for everyone.
• While the patient protections of the No Surprises Act begin on January 1, 2022, patient protections put in place by the Trump Administration remain in place ensuring no provider who accepts COVID-relief funds will be allowed to surprise bill a patient.