Judge backs California in balance billing dispute

A Sacramento, CA, judge affirmed the California Department of Managed Health Care's policy against balance billing, which is when out-of-network providers charge patients for services not paid by insurers. The California Medical Association and the California Hospital Association had tried to stop the balance billing ban, claiming the restriction was unfair and could undermine the networks and agreement in place between insurers and their member hospitals. The medical association said that it will likely appeal the case.