Allow Medicare Providers to "Balance Bill" by Repealing Section 1902(n)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act

All Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers who offer services and supplies to QMBs are aware that they may not bill QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing. This includes deductible, coinsurance, and copayments, known as “balance billing.” Section 1902(n)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act, as modified by Section 4714 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, prohibits Medicare providers from balance billing QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing. QMBs have no legal obligation to make further payment to a provider or Medicare managed care plan for Part A or Part B cost sharing. Providers who inappropriately bill QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing are subject to sanctions. This has led to cost shifting and inflated health care costs. We must return free market principles to healthcare if we are contain costs.