Did You Know? Out-Of-Network Medical Bills

Governor Cuomo recently announced that the Department of Financial Services is investigating medical bills for out-of-network costs. All healthcare related costs have a direct impact on the high health insurance rates facing business owners in New York State. The unexpected out-of-network medical bill costs are just one more factor that raises the aggregate cost of providing health insurance to employees.

NFIB members have cited health insurance costs as their number one problem for more than 20 years. The cost of insurance has soared by 123 percent over a ten year period from 1999 to 2009 – a rate that is unsustainable and frankly, indefensible. If small businesses cannot afford healthcare options for employees, we risk the potential of having thousands of New Yorkers living without any private healthcare options.

The cost of insurance for small business and their employees must come down to a reasonable level. Small business pays more (than big business) for less. For too many small business owners, healthcare is one of their fastest growing and most unpredictable costs. Any attempt, such as this investigation by the Department of Financial Services, which gets to even just one root of the cause for skyrocketing healthcare costs, is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

NFIB/NY continues to advocate for a close examination of healthcare mandates and other cost drivers which impact small business.

Further information is available at the following:

Gov. Cuomo Announces Department of Financial Services Investigation into Out-of-Network Medical Costs Affecting New Yorkers Across the State – http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/030712DFSInvestigation

“AN UNWELCOMED SURPRISE: How New Yorkers Are Getting Stuck with Unexpected Medical Bills from Out-of-Network Providers” – http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/DFS%20Report.pdf

To voice your questions or complaints concerning medical bills: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/fileacomplaint.htm

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About Mike Durant

Mike Durant was named New York State Director of NFIB in May 2011. Prior to joining NFIB as the Assistant State Director in May 2010, Durant began his career in the New York Senate working in the Office of Member Services. From there, he served in a number of positions during former New York Governor George E. Pataki’s administration. As a Research Specialist in the New York State Office of Demographic Policy, Mike was responsible for drafting a redistricting proposal for Governor Pataki. In addition, Mike served as a Research Specialist for the Empire State Development Corporation, as well as the Associate Commissioner of Human Resource Management with the New York Department of Labor. Durant also spent four years working at the Questar III BOCES as a specialist focusing on the complex formulas that drive aid to school districts across the state while also taking a lead role in the state legislative/budget process as it related to education policy. These past positions have given Mike a deep understanding of the complex political economics of the State of New York. Active in the community, Durant has served on a number of boards in both the village of Ballston Spa and Town of Milton. Durant received his bachelor’s degree from Siena College in Loudonville, New York and resides in Ballston Spa with his wife and two children.

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