# Stop COVID-19 Test Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2021

During the pandemic, many people got hit with unexpected bills after getting COVID-19 tests, even though the tests themselves were supposed to be free. This bill tackles that problem by making sure insurance companies and health plans can't use sneaky tactics to charge people for testing or related care.

The main issue the bill addresses is something called "medical management." Insurance companies were sometimes denying coverage for COVID tests by questioning why someone got tested, whether they really needed it, or how often they were getting tested. The bill says insurance companies can't do this kind of second-guessing anymore. They can still try to encourage people to use cheaper testing providers, but they can't delay or block access to testing while they're doing it. The bill also makes clear that providers shouldn't try to collect any money from people for COVID tests, since these tests are supposed to be covered at no cost.

The bill also requires the government to check up on whether providers are actually posting their cash prices for COVID tests online like they're supposed to. Within 45 days, the government has to publish a report showing how many providers are following the rules, what the average prices are, and whether any providers are charging way more than everyone else. This transparency helps catch providers who might be overcharging and gives the public a clear picture of what COVID testing actually costs across the country.

Finally, the bill requires government agencies to issue clear guidance to insurance companies and providers about how to properly bill for COVID tests and related doctor visits, making sure people don't accidentally end up owing money for care that should be free.

Stop COVID–19 Test Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2021

Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]

Stop COVID-19 Test Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2021 This bill modifies provisions requiring health insurance plans to cover COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) diagnostic testing services at no cost, without prior authorization, and without medical management requirements. The bill specifies that a plan may not make determinations about the circumstances surrounding individuals' tests, such as why they sought testing or whether they showed symptoms of COVID-19. The bill also specifies that plans may encourage individuals to obtain tests from lower priced providers as long as such efforts do not delay, or impede access to, testing. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to survey and report on the cash prices of testing services and the compliance of providers with the requirement to publish such prices. Additionally, HHS, jointly with the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Labor, must issue guidance clarifying the process for submitting claims for testing services.