State Representative Ben Smaltz of Auburn saw his bill protecting Hoosiers from surprise medical billing get passed unanimously out of the House Insurance Committee on Wednesday.

Smaltz said surprise billing is when an individual goes to an in-network health care provider for a service, but is seen by an out-of-network physician. The patient then receives a large medical bill not covered by insurance. An example would be when a person is having surgery, and their surgeon is covered by insurance, but other medical providers like an anesthesiologist is out-of-network.

Smaltz’s legislation would prohibit health care providers from billing an in-network patient for amounts exceeding in-network rates, which are usually covered by their insurance. Patients would still be responsible for any deductibles, copayments and coinsurance amounts. Hoosiers could opt to receive services from out-of-network providers if they choose.

House Bill 1004 moves to the House floor for further consideration.