New AZ Law Addresses Balance Billing

By Consumers For Quality Care, on March 6, 2019

A new law in Arizona addresses balance billing, a practice that leaves consumers with surprise medical bills, AZ Family reports.

SB 1441 aims at reducing the burden that surprise bills put on patients. After a consumer receives a balance bill, the consumer, their insurer and the provider are required to have a conference call with Arizona’s department of insurance. On the call, the provider and insurer are required to try to settle the bill so that the consumers are not liable for any payments.

AZ Family reports that the law is so new that no patients have utilized the mediation program yet. It is available for consumers who have received balance bills after the first of the year.

Rep. Debbie Lesko, who spearheaded the bill while in Arizona’s legislature, says that she’s excited the bill is in effect and will be there to help consumers.