WASHINGTON, DC - 27 patient and consumer advocacy groups announced support for the deal reached by bicameral, bipartisan leaders to protect patients from surprise medical billing. In a statement, groups representing Americans facing serious acute, chronic health conditions, welcomed the legislation and urged Congress to act swiftly to send the package to President Trump’s desk.
“The bipartisan agreement reached by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to protect patients and consumers from surprise medical bills is greatly welcomed," the groups said in the joint statement. “Our organizations express our deep appreciation to HELP Committee Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Walden for their understanding of the devastating financial impact that surprise billing has on those it affects, and for their persistence in reaching this agreement. We urge Congressional leaders to ensure this legislation can move swiftly before the end of the year."
This comes as the Trump Administration recently backed the agreement to protect patients from surprise medical billing. “This compromise reflects the input of doctors and hospitals and is the result of months of delicate work to reach a deal among congressional members and the White House that protects patients," the White House said in a statement.
The groups announcing their support include:
Adult Congenital Heart Association
Alpha-1 Foundation
ALS Association
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Heart Association
American Kidney Fund
American Liver Foundation
American Lung Association
Arthritis Foundation
COPD Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Epilepsy Foundation
Family Voices
Hemophilia Federation of America
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Mended Little Hearts
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Health Council
National Hemophilia Foundation
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Organization of Rare Disorders
National Psoriasis Foundation
Pulmonary Hypertension Association
Susan G. Komen
WomenHeart
