WASHINGTON, D.C., January 3, 2022 — The No Surprises Act took effect on Jan. 1, after years of advocacy to end surprise medical billing. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, issued the following statement celebrating the law’s implementation:

“Patients are breathing a sigh of relief knowing they are now protected from surprise bills arising when inadvertently receiving medical care from out-of-network hospitals, doctors or other providers they did not choose. Bipartisan support in Congress helped make the No Surprises Act a reality – and now patients nationwide finally have robust legal protections from this predatory practice.

“The American Heart Association worked during the legislative and administrative rule-making process to elevate the voice of patients demanding safeguards from the harmful practice of surprise billing. With rules implemented by the Biden administration, patients are no longer caught in the middle of payment disputes and protected from being the recipient of financially devastating surprise medical bills.

“Patients suffering from emergency medical needs including heart attack, cardiac arrest and stroke, must be able to prioritize their health and not live in fear of the financial crisis brought on by receiving a surprise medical bill. We are grateful to the law’s bipartisan champions in Congress who have seen this law through from the beginning. It is now imperative that patients understand their rights under the No Surprises Act so they can recognize and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their families from the financial burden of surprise medical bills.”

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Arielle Beer: 202.785.7902; arielle.beer@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org