Press Room

Sen. Morse Makes Billing Balanced

Wednesday, April 14 2010

Senate Passes Legislation to End Unfair Billing Practices

DENVER—Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Senator Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton) are sponsoring legislation to continue reforming health care in Colorado to better serve consumers. Senate Bill 183 will permanently end a practice known as “balance billing”. It is often necessary for patients to visit an out of network doctor for certain services, however this often results in them being charged additional fees without their consent or knowledge.  This legislation will prevent an out of network provider from billing a patient for the balance between the out-of-network price and the amount reimbursed to them by the insurance company.

“It’s an unfair practice because many patients are unaware that they are incurring any extra cost,” stated Senator Morse. “This is just another way we can ensure patients accessibility and choice within their health care policies and keep insurance companies working for citizens.”

It is already illegal in over 40 states, including Colorado, for insurance companies to bill individuals for the balance due on in network services.  This measure will ensure that patients aren’t being charged for out of network services, and make certain that health care in our state remains affordable.