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Healthcare Law2026-03-267 min readEllen Policy Team

No Surprises Act Enforcement Gaps: The Law Exists But Patients Still Get the Bills

No Surprises Act Enforcement Gaps: The Law Exists But Patients Still Get the Bills

The No Surprises Act, which took effect January 1, 2022, was supposed to largely eliminate surprise medical bills. More than two years later, patients are still receiving them, and the gap between what the law promises and what patients experience in practice has become a documented problem.

If you received a surprise medical bill after the No Surprises Act took effect, you may have experienced one of several enforcement gaps that allow providers to continue balance billing patients in situations where it should be prohibited.

Understanding what the No Surprises Act actually covers, where the enforcement gaps exist, and what you can do if you receive a surprise bill can help you fight charges that may be illegal under federal law.

Ellen can help you determine if your surprise bill violates federal law and assist with appeals. Start here →

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