AHA Statement on Examining Surprise Billing: Protecting Patients from Financial Pain

American Hospital Association Statement
Before Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions
of the U.S. House of Representatives
“Examining Surprise Billing: Protecting Patients from Financial Pain"
April 2, 2019

On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners – including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers – and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups, the American Hospital Association (AHA) appreciates the opportunity to submit for the record our comments on surprise medical billing.

We believe the last thing a patient should worry about while receiving health care services is an unanticipated medical bill that impacts their out-of-pocket costs and undermines the trust and confidence that patients have in their caregivers. Hospitals and health systems are deeply concerned about the impact of such bills and are committed to finding a solution that first and foremost protects patients.

The AHA Board of Trustees believes addressing surprise medical bills to protect patients is a top priority for our members.

View the following statement for details.