Senate Bill 359, the “Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act” which was sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome), received unanimous passage in the Senate. SB 359 provides for consumer protections against surprise billing by delineating an arbitration process between the insurer and provider, as well as establishing a maintained database of all-payer health claims and insurer payments.

“Resolving the detrimental effects of surprise billing has been an issue I have been vehemently working towards over the years and I am proud this bill received the support from my colleagues,” said Sen. Hufstetler. “By limiting the occurrence of unexpected charges from out-of-network providers, Senate Bill 329 allows Georgians to focus their efforts on what truly matters, meeting their medical and financial needs. Working in a hospital, I can speak to some of the positive impacts this bill will have on the personal welfare of patients and I am grateful to see the Senate taking steps in removing the consumer from a complex and overwhelming negotiation process.”

SB 359 has now been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.