S1319 Protect Patients From High Medical Bills For Emergency Services

SUPPORT - S1319 establishes the Freestanding Emergency Room and Emergency Care Affordability Act, targeting surprise billing at out-of-network freestanding ERs. It limits providers from billing patients for the difference between full charges and amount covered by insurance, applies in-network cost-sharing, sets standard payment rates, and requires clear disclosure if a facility does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.

Lack of transparency in medical billing can cost patients thousands of dollars. This bill would protect patients from large, unexpected emergency bills while improving price clarity. Standardized reimbursement and in-network cost-sharing reduce financial uncertainty, and upfront disclosures help patients understand potential costs before receiving care.

This legislation passed the Senate on March 3, 2026, but was not taken up in the House.

See full bill here.