New ED payment policies shifting more costs to hospitals

Regarding the article “Senators ask Azar to review Anthem ER policy” (ModernHealthcare.com, March 7), if the policies don’t violate the federal law, it certainly feels as though they do.

Facilities are required to medically screen all patients presenting to our emergency departments under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Ultimately, patients will be hit with an unexpected bill and refuse to pay or be unable to pay, leaving hospitals with more bad debt. What a clever ploy to shift yet more cost to the facilities, while putting more money in the pocket of the health plan.

Perhaps HHS should rule in favor of the policies, but require the insurers to first pay the claim and then collect from their members. After all, the relationship is between the payer and the patient.

Denise Adema Fort Myers, Fla.