BOISE, Idaho — Legislation in Idaho to create transparency in medical bills sent to patients and to rein in predatory medical debt collectors has cleared a Senate panel.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the measure backers call consumer protection legislation. The bill seeks to cap attorney fees charged to patients at $350 for those who do not contest their bills in court and $750 for those who do. It would also set a 45-day deadline for medical facilities to get bills to a patient's insurance.
Opponents say the measure would increase healthcare costs for patients who pay their bills. It now heads to the full Senate.
