She said some people have complained that they have been billed in error. She said she thinks the bill is a nice compromise with the amendment which was added in the Senate. In response to Mr. Kyle, Ms. Williams explained that under current law, enrollees cannot be billed by providers for covered services. Mrs. Brimhall also questioned the need for the bill. Ms. Williams advised that enrollees are still being billed for services by providers.
People are concerned because they think they owe for services.
In some cases, doctors are billing patients because some HMOs are slow in paying. The purpose of the bill is to clarify that billings should not go out unless they clearly state that the bill is for informational purposes only. Mr. Kyle asked whether a doctor is prohibited from billing patients under current law or under this bill. Ms. Williams stated that under this bill, a provider cannot send a bill to an enrollee unless there is a note on the bill that the bill is for informational purposes only. Mr. Kyle asked how long it takes an HMO to pay a bill.