For immediate release
April 30, 2020
+1 (202) 823-2333
media@action4health.org
In a
letter sent to Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Schumer, IUOE President James Callahan warns of giving insurance companies "outsized power", writing, "...H
ospitals and medical practices have been forced to cut hours, furlough healthcare workers, and, in some cases, close due to financial strain. There are better solutions to fix surprise billing that do not put the nation’s healthcare safety net or patients’ access to care at risk." As such, IUOE is joining a growing chorus around the country that believes in a patient-centered solution.
According to Christopher Sheeron, president of
Action for Health, "We're thrilled to see IUOE weigh in on this critical healthcare issue. Unlike some in Congress who are siding with gigantic health insurers and their rate-setting approach, this powerful union is standing with patients. Like us, IUOE is advocating for an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process as the best way to solve surprise medical bills.
We're also energized by the union's support of H.R. 3502, which, with 110 co-sponsors, is the most widely-endorsed surprise medical bill legislation to date. This legislation uses the successful New York State IDR model. If Congress is going to pass anything to address surprise bills once the pandemic subsides, it should implement this approach nationwide."
Click on IUOE's letter below to read more.
