Protections from surprise medical billing

Learn about state and federal laws that protect patients from getting surprise medical bills for emergency services, including behavioral health emergencies, and when they're at an in-network facility and seen by an out-of-network provider.

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What consumers need to know about surprise or balance billing

You have protections in Washington state against receiving surprise bills for emergency care or certain behavioral health services.

Ground ambulance services and surprise billing

A new law protects policyholders from out-of-network charges by Ground Ambulance Service Organizations (GASOs) and bans balance billing for covered emergency and non-emergency ground ambulance transportation.

HIPAA transaction usage requirements

Under WAC 284-43B-040, all carriers must have a process that helps providers and facilities determine if their patient is enrolled in a health plan that is subject to the Washington state Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA).

Health insurer responsibilities under the Balance Billing Protection Act

Learn about what health insurers must do to comply with the Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA).

Medical providers responsibilities

Learn about what medical providers must do to comply with the Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA).

Self-funded group health plan opt-in form/attestation

Each self-funded group health plan that elects to participate in the Balance Billing Protection Act must complete and submit this form and attestation to our office.

Self-funded group health plans and surprise billing

The Federal No Surprises Act protects consumers enrolled in self-funded group health from surprise billing. This includes any emergency services they receive from a behavioral crisis facility.

Rulemaking

Learn about rules adopted within the last three years, proposed rules and withdrawn rules. Use the status and audience filters to narrow your search.