Hearing to focus on problem of ‘surprise’ medical bills

Pennsylvania’s top insurance regulator is holding an informational hearing on the problem of “surprise balance” bills for health-care services at expensive out-of-network rates being sent to patients who thought their treatment was covered by their insurance network.

Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller says the purpose of Thursday’s hearing in Harrisburg is to gather input on why consumers who obtain health care services from a provider or facility in their insurance networks are billed for an unpaid balance by out-of-network providers who charge higher rates.

Insurance Department officials say they expect testimony from consumers, consumer advocates, legislators, the attorney general’s office, health care providers and insurers.