Third Way Statement of Support for the Bipartisan Fair Billing Act

Washington—Third Way issued the following statement from Darbin Wofford, Deputy Director of Health Care:

"In the wake of historic cuts to Medicaid, tackling high health care costs is more urgent than ever. That’s why Third Way applauds Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) for introducing the Fair Billing Act to reduce the costs of hospital care for patients. This legislation takes critical steps to make hospital billing more transparent and affordable for patients.

“As patients face rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs for their health care, hospitals are a key contributor to high prices. Big hospital chains are often padding medical bills with junk ‘facility fees,’ pushing family-owned physician offices to end their private practice, and increasing costs for workers and small businesses.

“The Fair Billing Act takes on facility fees by requiring hospitals to bill accurately for the services they deliver. Congress came close to passing parts of this bill last December, which is why lawmakers should seize this opportunity and pass the Fair Billing Act into law now.”