Did you know the Federal No Surprises Act went into effect in January 2022? This act protects consumers from surprise medical bills and makes it easier for consumers to understand the costs of health care services before they get a service. Most consumer protections involving insurance is left up to the state and although New York has been at the forefront of ensuring these protections, it is important that consumers know what they are.
Information on the Federal No Surprises Act and Health Insurance Policies and Programs in New York can be found on the New York State Department of Financial Services’ website. Be sure to stay informed about consumer protections offered by your insurance and read the member handbook that is provided at the time of enrollment. Review the information in notices that are sent to ensure accuracy and request any necessary explanations directly from your insurance company within the timeframe identified on the notice.
Consumers can also visit the NYS Department of Financial Services’ website to dispute a surprise medical bill, file a complaint or report insurance fraud. Additional information related to managed care complaints and appeals can be found on the NYS Department of Health’s website.
Consumer learning opportunities are also available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ website. CMS provides resources for consumers to learn and understand what’s new to protect them from experiencing surprise medical bills.
Please contact our office if you have questions or need assistance with a consumer protection related issue. Consumer Protection complaints can also be submitted through our website. The Erie County Office of Consumer Protection can be reached by phone at 716-858-1987 or via email to consumerprotection@erie.gov.
