Bill raises surprise-billing penalties to $10,000 per incident
In committeeH.R. 4710Latest action
Sponsor: Gregory F. Murphy · Representative · NC
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: No Surprises Act Enforcement Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 4710 raises penalties for surprise-billing violations and slow arbitration payments, and requires federal agencies to report enforcement data to Congress every 6 months.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill increases the fines that health plans and insurers pay when they break surprise-billing rules. It also sets new penalties for parties who are late or refuse to pay after an arbitrator decides a fair amount. Federal agencies would be required to report enforcement activity to Congress every six months.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly applies to group health insurance plans, health insurance companies, and out-of-network medical providers and facilities. Patients who receive emergency, non-emergency, or air ambulance care are indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
Current penalties for serious violations may not be strong enough to stop improper billing practices. Without regular public reporting, it is harder to know whether existing patient protections are actually being enforced.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Fines up to $10,000 per incident
- Unpaid arbitration awards triple + interest
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 23, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 23, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.