Letter to the editor: Ending surprise medical bills important now

In these days of the covid-19 pandemic, there is one easy, positive action our state legislators can take right now to help: They can vote to pass House Bill 1862, which would end the practice of surprise medical billing.

One in three Pennsylvanians has received surprise medical bills. This occurs when a consumer unwittingly receives medical care by a provider outside of his or her insurance network — for example, in emergency treatment, when the consumer may be incapable of choosing a provider. Insurance will not pay for out-of-network services and the consumer is responsible for the entire cost of the treatment, no matter how outrageous the amount.

HB 1862, which has received bipartisan support in the House, would ensure consumers are no longer held accountable for unfair and potentially devastating costs. Increases in urgent care due to covid-19 makes this even more imperative. This legislation has already been passed in several states.

I urge my fellow constituents to join me in calling on state Rep. Eric Nelson to vote to pass HB 1862 now. More than ever, the time has come to end this unfair and harmful practice. It’s the right thing to do.

Lisa Cannon

Hempfield