Speaker Sara Gideon Testifies in Support of Legislation to Protect Consumers From Unfair Insurance Billing Practices

AUGUSTA, Maine, March 28 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:

* * *

- LD 1155, An Act To Protect Patients and the Prudent Layperson Standard, was introduced by Speaker Gideon earlier this month

* * *

Speaker of the House Sara Gideon (D-Freeport) testified today in support of LD 1155, "An Act To Protect Patients and the Prudent Layperson Standard." Gideon introduced the legislation earlier this month. LD 1155 strengthens existing law preventing insurance companies from denying emergency room claims by requiring these companies to cover visits based on the patient's presenting symptoms, not the final diagnosis. It also strengthens existing law prohibiting a carrier from requiring prior medical authorization for emergency services.

Speaker Gideon released the following statement:

Insurance companies are essentially forcing patients to either play a role in determining their own medical condition or risk that the cost of the care won't be covered. This is a choice no Mainer should have to make-especially in the chaotic, terrifying moments of a medical emergency when they should be focusing on their wellbeing.

We must proactively strengthen these common sense regulations before Mainers are forced to self-diagnose when making the already difficult decision to go to the emergency room. Its our duty to protect the health of all Mainerspassing LD 1155 and strengthening Maine law will do just that.

In several states, insurance companies have been warning policy holders that if their emergency department visit results in a diagnosis for something that the insurer doesnt think was an emergency, the insurer will deny or reduce the payment of the claim. This leaves the patient responsible for the bill.

LD 1155 faces additional votes at a later date in the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee in the coming weeks.