America's Health Insurance Plans Comments on Court Decision in Texas Medical Association Vs. HHS Surprise Billing Litigation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (TNSPol) -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following statement:

* * *

Matt Eyles, President and CEO of AHIP, issued this statement following a decision rendered in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Texas Medical Association v. the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

"No one should ever face a surprise medical bill that can lead to financial ruin. Before the No Surprises Act went into effect on January 1st, millions of patients faced surprise medical bills they did not expect from doctors they did not choose at prices they could not afford. Congress passed the No Surprises Act overwhelmingly on a bipartisan basis to ensure patients would be protected from surprise medical bills, while also ensuring that health care remained affordable and accessible for everyone.

"Unfortunately, private-equity-backed providers and others, like hospitals and emergency room physicians, who have long profited from sending patients surprise bills are doing everything they can to protect their profits. They have sued to stop the implementation of rules that would lower the cost of health care for everyone, defending their own financial interests over the consumers and patients they serve. And this wrong and misguided ruling will result in higher health care costs and premiums for consumers and businesses - once again threatening health care affordability and access for all Americans.

"It is unconscionable for providers to fight to weaken protections for patients who deserve to be protected from surprise medical bills, and to exploit the arbitration process to pad their bottom lines. AHIP continues to fully supports the Administration in its defense of the No Surprises Act and the interim final rule, and we will continue to support the Government's defense of the rules in other courts."