A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 5535 aims to amend several key healthcare laws in order to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers that engage in practices that violate balance billing requirements. Balance billing occurs when a healthcare provider bills a patient for the difference between what the provider charges and what the patient's insurance covers.

The bill specifically targets violations of balance billing requirements under title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. By increasing penalties for these violations, the bill seeks to protect patients from unexpected and potentially exorbitant medical bills.

In addition to addressing balance billing practices, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to healthcare regulation. These provisions are not specified in the summary, but may include additional measures to improve transparency, affordability, and access to healthcare services. Overall, Bill 118 s 5535 represents a significant effort to hold group health plans and health insurance issuers accountable for practices that harm patients financially. By increasing penalties for violations of balance billing requirements, the bill aims to promote fair and transparent billing practices in the healthcare industry.