I became a physician after I saw firsthand the positive impact that could be made on people’s lives. I like knowing that we are here 24/7/365 to take care of our communities. This has been a very rewarding career, but unfortunately that is changing.
I fully supported Congress when it passed the No Surprises Act in 2020, ensuring that patients weren’t put in the middle of payment disputes. However, the job is not done. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ignored the fundamental purpose of the No Surprises Act during the implementation process.
The law originally established a fair process for health insurers and clinicians to work out billing disputes. Instead, the agency has allowed large health insurers to drastically underpay frontline doctors and rake in profits. Meanwhile, patients continue to face coverage denials and increasing premiums.
These burdens are threatening my ability to provide adequate care. Rural and low-income areas where my emergency room provides a safety net for the underinsured and uninsured are struggling. Over 100 rural hospitals have closed around the country this past decade due to financial pressure, and I fear that every hospital is at risk.
I am grateful U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, has been a champion for patients and doctors and has called on the Biden administration to ensure doctors and patients are protected as the law originally intended. We need a balanced and fair approach as promised in the original legislation.
JONAS ADAMS, MD
Alexandria
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