119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 4710
H.R. 4710 strengthens protections against surprise medical bills by imposing tough new penalties on health plans and out-of-network providers that violate balance billing rules. The bill increases daily penalties from $100 to $10,000 per violation and requires plans and providers that fail to pay correct out-of-network rates within 30 days to pay triple the unpaid amount plus interest. These stricter enforcement measures apply to emergency services, air ambulance services, and all health coverage types governed by federal law. The bill also requires the federal government to report to Congress every six months on enforcement activities, including audits conducted, complaints filed, penalties issued, and common violation patterns, beginning one year after the law takes effect. Overall, the legislation aims to protect patients from unexpected medical bills by making it far more costly for insurers and providers to ignore or delay required payments.