No Surprises Act saving residents from unexpected medical costs

The bill, which was passed over two years ago, is projected to help millions from out-of-network and emergency medical costs - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Over two years ago, the "No surprises act" was passed in Arizona. Since being passed on Friday, March 3, the bill began saving people from surprise medical costs.

The bill requires private health plans to cover bills for emergency services and out-of-network provider bills. Costs that can add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Steve Gomez from Arizona is no stranger to surprise medical bills. The Gilbert resident has dealt with surprise bills twice.

“To sit there at the end of that and then feel like you’re being slapped across the face, and like I said almost extorted,” Gomez said.

The first back in 2015, when his son was born needing a heart transplant, also developing necrosis, which is when cells in the body begin to die.

Then not long after, Gomez needed his gall bladder removed. Both health issues required out-of network visits costing Gomez hundreds of dollars.

Gomez and his wife were eventually able to pay the bills, but he knows he was fortunate to be in a position to do so.

“I know people within my own family that work incredibly hard, if not harder than I do, and would be having to debate paying this bill to make the next steps in their lives,” Gomez said.

“Honest Arizona,” a grassroots organization in the state, estimates the act will apply to over 10 million medical bills this year.

Before the act’s passage, nearly 20% of hospital visits would result in surprise bills, sometimes costing upwards of $100,000 dollars.

“To feel there’s something being done for that is awesome, and it’s about time,” Gomez said.

Now if you’ve recently received one of these surprise bills, you can call the U.S Department Of Health Services at 1-800-985-3059 to get help.