Insurance companies, doctors fight over new out-of-network legislation

Doctors are fighting legislation that they say would unfairly cut their pay. The Out-Of-Network bill is part of a clash between insurance companies and doctors about how to pay for patients' out-of-network

News 12 Staff

Dec 6, 2016, 4:48 AM

Updated 2,691 days ago

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Insurance companies, doctors fight over new out-of-network legislation
Doctors are fighting legislation that they say would unfairly cut their pay.
The Out-Of-Network bill is part of a clash between insurance companies and doctors about how to pay for patients' out-of-network care. The bill would give patients notice of the health care costs they're facing when they're in the hospital.
Some patients say that they were left with crippling medical bills and had no idea they weren't covered during emergencies.
Doctors say that when there's an emergency at 3 a.m., they can't afford the time it takes to find out about their patient's insurance. They are also critical of New Jersey health insurers, who they say are using narrow networks and surprise payment limits. 
The doctors say that it unfairly penalizes them for insurance companies' coverage limits, and it could drive more doctors from the state.
Sen. Joe Vitale canceled a legislative hearing on the bill after the doctors' press conference, in order to give lawmakers additional time to go over recent changes to it.


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