PRA Submits Public Comment Calling for Real Price Transpareny in Final Suprise Billing Rule

PatientRightsAdvocate.org submitted a public comment to CMS regarding its proposed rule: Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I (the “IFC”). The letter calls on CMS to strengthen its final surprise billing rule to include real price transparency.

Specifically:

1. We suggest the Agencies supplement the regulations by requiring advance notice of actual, all-in prices for scheduled services.

2. We suggest that the Agencies define the “good faith estimate” term in the statute to mean disclosure in advance of actual, all-in, binding, upfront prices for the items or services furnished.

3. We suggest the Agencies promulgate specific standards for the upfront prices, and hold providers and facilities accountable for standing by their price quotes.

4. We recommend that the Agencies retain and robustly enforce the provisions of the IFC prohibiting balance billing in most scenarios.

5. We suggest that the Agencies supplement and revise the regulation to strengthen protections for patients.

Read the full public comment HERE.