Surprise Medical Bills

Their insurance didn't cover the immunizations for their children, and the cost of the vaccine was more than five times what health officials say it goes for in the private sector.

Carmen Aiken thought their medical visit would be covered because the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to pay for a long list of preventive services.

After leaving his job to launch his own business, an Illinois man opted for a six-month health insurance plan. When he needed a colonoscopy, he thought it would cover most of the bill. Then he learned his plan’s limited benefits would cost him plenty.

The No Surprises Act offers protection from many surprise bills, but that protection may be only as good as a patient’s knowledge of the law and ability to make sure it’s enforced. Here’s what you need to know.

Lawmakers in both parties are trying to balance the competing needs of powerful stakeholders and consumers stuck with high bills. Despite progress, many insiders expect work to continue into 2020.