Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) and Representative Richard Smith (R-Columbus) introduced legislation today that would protect Georgia consumers from surprise out-of-network medical bills. Georgia Watch supports this legislation and thanks them for their efforts. We encourage you to thank
Senator Unterman and
Representative Smith for their efforts to protect Georgia consumers.
Surprise bills can happen when:
* You are treated by an out-of-network provider in an emergency situation;
* You have a planned procedure at an in-network facility and are not informed that an out-of-network provider will be involved in your care, or
* Your lab work or ultrasound tests are sent to out-of-network lab companies.
Ways to get involved:
* Stay informed through the Georgia Watch
website
* Share your surprise medical bill stories
here
|
With input from partners and advocates around the state, Georgia Watch has produced the Georgia Consumer Guide for Managing Medical Bills and Debt, to be distributed online and in print in February. The guide and accompanying workshops will provide information and resources to empower consumers to answer some of the most common and complex healthcare and health insurance questions, including questions around insurance coverage, explanation of benefits statements, bill payment options, and debt collection.
The tax season is in full swing, but delays and risks await many taxpayers this year. According to the National Consumer Law Center, those who plan to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) should expect refund delays. Visit our website for more information on