AUGUSTA - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, that would require health care entities and private insurers to provide patients with an estimated cost of their health care services, was signed into law on Tuesday, April 2.
"With this new law, both insured and uninsured Mainers will now have the ability to know the out-of-pocket costs they will have to pay for a health care service before they receive it," said Arford. "It will significantly strengthen health care price transparency and prevent sticker shock to help ensure that Maine people understand the costs they will incur. I am proud of all the work that went into developing and passing this legislation, on both sides of the aisle."
Arford's bill compliments the federal No Surprises Act, which requires health care entities and insurers to provide a good faith estimate and advance explanation of benefits to patients. The new law will allow for compliance with both state and federal price transparency rules.
Polling released last year by Consumers for Affordable Health Care showed that 69% of Mainers are often unsure of what is covered by their insurance plan or how much they will have to pay out-of-pocket for a medical service or prescription. Additionally, 93% of participants agreed that patients should always be provided clear, transparent pricing before receiving medical services.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after final adjournment of the legislative session.Arford is serving her second term in the Maine House. She represents House District 101, part of Brunswick, and is a member of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Arford], c. 305-965-2744