Balancing Billing Protection Act and No Surprise Act

Effective 1/1/2020 Washington state implemented the Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA) to offer protection from surprise medical bills. Effective 1/1/2022, the Federal No Surprises Act ("FNSA"), applies a broader scope of plans and services than Washington's BBPA. Combined they offer transparency and disclosure for individuals seeking medical services.

Balance Billing (also referred to as surprise billing) occurs when an out-of-network provider bills the patient for the difference between the provider's charge and the insurance company's allowed amount.

• For disclosure, healthcare facilities and providers list the commercial health insurer provider networks in which they participate. Click here to see the networks' list for Valley Medical Center and UW Physicians. Click here to learn more about your rights and protections. These protections apply to fully insured commercial, Federal Employees Health
   
• Benefits (FEHB), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), and self-funded employer sponsored.
   
• If you have any questions regarding your statement and balance billing, contact Patient Accounts at 1.855.826.1540 or 425.690.3578, option 5.