Louisiana Physicians File Suit Against Emergency Ban on Balance-Billing

Louisiana healthcare professionals are suing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon for an emergency rule created that prohibits balance-billing for patients after natural disasters, according to American Medical News.

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The rule was enacted at the beginning of September in response to Hurricane Isaac, and mandates health plans must provide in-network coverage to patients forced to obtain out-of-network emergency care because of storm displacement.

The physicians said the rule prevents out-of-network physicians from collecting additional fees for their services from patients without full coverage. The lawsuit claims the law contradicts current state law that allows out-of network physicians to balance-bill.

Physicians also worry this law could be a slippery slope to enacting new legislation without using the proper channels but rather emergency declarations.

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