State Assembly Says ER Bills Are Too High

The state legislature is addressing emergency room charges. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

FRESNO (KMJ) – A bill to limit emergency room bills for patients with health insurance faces a key vote amid strong opposition from hospitals.

The bill by assemblyman David Chiu would make sure patients in emergency rooms with health insurance never pay more than their copayments or deductibles, even if they are treated at a hospital outside of their insurance network.

The proposal has strong opposition from hospitals because it would cap how much they can charge insurance companies in those situations.

Supporters say the caps are needed to control health care costs.

The bill has cleared the assembly and faces a key test in a senate committee on Wednesday.