Surprise Medical Bills

After leaving his job to launch his own business, an Illinois man opted for a six-month health insurance plan. When he needed a colonoscopy, he thought it would cover most of the bill. Then he learned his plan’s limited benefits would cost him plenty.

The No Surprises Act offers protection from many surprise bills, but that protection may be only as good as a patient’s knowledge of the law and ability to make sure it’s enforced. Here’s what you need to know.

Lawmakers in both parties are trying to balance the competing needs of powerful stakeholders and consumers stuck with high bills. Despite progress, many insiders expect work to continue into 2020.