Here’s a good medical billing change for Texas

Nobody wants a surprise medical bill.

Texas lawmakers can’t stop them. But a new law at least gives Texans a chance at mediation for unexpected bills over out-of-network specialists or procedures.

You’ve probably been socked with at least one surprise bill over care that should have been covered by insurance. Without warning, a clinic or emergency room used an out-of-network doctor to read an X-ray or deliver anesthesia, and suddenly you get a $2,000 bill for care that you thought was covered.

North Richland Hills state Sen. Kelly Hancock’s Senate Bill 507 allows victims of surprise billing to seek state mediation through the Texas Department of Insurance for unexpected bills over $500, and also requires providers to explain how to apply for mediation.

According to the Department of Insurance website, Texans saved $490,518 in 2015 by filing for mediation. The new law also expands mediation to include free-standing emergency rooms.

Laws like this represent the best work of Texas lawmakers. An unexpected $2,000 bill can plunge low-income Texans into family distress and financial ruin.

Hancock has worked incessantly to protect consumers from so-called “balance billing” and surprise billing. He should earn thanks from all Texans.

This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Here’s a good medical billing change for Texas."