New Surprise Billing Legislation and Rules Go Into Effect on January 1

The Texas Department of Insurance promulgated emergency rules to implement SB 1264 on December 18, 2019, which then went into effect simultaneously with SB 1264’s other provisions on January 1, 2020. The emergency rules added additional detail and requirements to SB 1264’s other requirements. One additional requirement is that an out-of-network provider cannot “balance bill” a patient unless the patient had a meaningful choice between an out-of-network provider and an in-network provider, and was not coerced to accept an out-of-network provider. Also, TDI adopted a state form (AH025) as the standard notice and disclosure form for non-emergency services, and requires that the provider disclose the required elements using that form (without any alterations) no less than 10 business days in advance of the service.

Source: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/new-surprise-billing-legislation-and-55701/