A bill championed by state Rep. Lee Hawkins of Gainesville to prevent surprise medical billing has passed the Senate and is headed to the governor's desk for signature.
Hawkins is the primary sponsor of House Bill 888, which is designed to prevent patients from getting large hospital bills when they get treated unknowingly by an out-of-network medical provider when they seek emergency treatment.
The bill would require patients to pay no more than their deductible, copay or other in-network payment required by their insurance plan. Hawkins, who also works as a dentist in Gainesville, said he sponsored the bill because of his experience with the healthcare industry.
"I have seen and witnessed the problems that can occur between insurers, the provider and the patient," said Hawkins. "I've always felt that the solution to that would be to remove the patient from the heart of that discussion and the problem."
Although providers can seek arbitration to get additional payment, the patient will not be out any additional money. The arbitration is between the providers and the insurance companies.
Hawkins said he was glad to see the bill finally pass after many years of debate. He said he was especially glad to see the bill pass at a time when Georgians may need it most.
"I feel really good for the patients in Georgia, especially during this time of the COVID crisis and the healthcare landscape," said Hawkins. "This is going to help stabilize the provision of healthcare for all Georgians."
Surveys have shown that about half of Americans have received a surprise bill. It's the top cause of bankruptcies in the state.
