Letter to the editor: Fighting surprise medical bills

I am writing to encourage my state representative, Mike Reese, to vote yes to House Bill 1862. This bill is to prevent surprise medical bills which can bankrupt families.

Recently my 48-year-old son was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery to remove it. He has excellent medical coverage with a major union. His surgeon was in his network, but unknown to him, an assistant surgeon was out of his network, and billed him for $5,000.

This is not an unusual situation. Anywhere along the way to recovery, a provider, lab, ambulance, etc. can send a bill you did not expect and had not budgeted for. Every Pennsylvania citizen should be aware of HB1862, and how your representatives vote on it. It could happen to you when you least expect it.

Carole Schick-Moyer

Unity