We appreciate the Ways and Means Committee taking the time to examine this very important issue. Hospitals agree with both members and witnesses that no patient should ever receive a surprise medical bill. A federal legislative solution is needed – one that protects patients by ending balanced billing and ensures that a patient’s cost-sharing is based on an in-network rate.

Once patients are protected, health care providers and insurers should work together to determine payment amounts for the services provided. This would make untested ideas like bundled payments and rate setting unnecessary.

We look forward to working with Congress on a solution that achieves our common goal of protecting patients.