I just got a surprise bill from an out-of-network provider. What do I do?
Don't pay it without scrutiny. Federal law (No Surprises Act, effective 2022) bars most balance billing for emergency care and for non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. NY also has its own surprise-billing protections that are sometimes broader. The bill should be paid at in-network rates, with disputes resolved through an Independent Dispute Resolution process. Our routine: forward the bill, the EOB, and the visit notes to us; we coordinate with the carrier and the provider's billing office to apply the correct cost-sharing. Most resolve within 30–60 days.
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