News 4 San Antonio: Surprise billing part 2: Congressman pushing for legislation

Fox San Antonio launched a series Thursday on surprise billing when it comes to healthcare.

Camilla Rambaldi looked into the problem to see what kind of help is out there and how consumers can better understand their bills and possibly lower the costs.

Congress Lloyd Doggett, D-TX 35th District, filed legislation this year to end surprise billing. Doggett is pushing for more transparency when it comes to medical costs and to make sure the consumer doesn't get caught in the middle of the provider and the insurance.

"It would protect consumers so that you would never find yourself in a situation unless you consented to it , that you would pay out of network charges. That can mean tens of thousands of dollars of bills in some cases. It would mean that the dispute would be resolved between the insurer and the healthcare provider but not get the customer pay more money," said Doggett.

On January 1st, a law went into effect in Texas requiring hospitals to list procedure costs online.

Fox San Antonio asked Congressman Doggett about that.

"What we know already is that there is wide disparity in the cost of different types of surgery at different facilities right in the greater Bexar County area. I think the law as it is now, the information is difficult it compare. It doesn't help all that much, and we could use more disclosure so that consumers can make an informed decision," said Doggett.

Doggett went on to explain the importance of always asking questions about benefits and of costs prior to getting a procedure done.

To contact Congressman Doggett's office, click HERE.