Large majorities of U.S. adults support the No Surprises Act (88%), are concerned about efforts to weaken it (76%) and would view their Member of Congress less favorably if they learned that Member wanted to weaken the law (78%), according to the findings of a public opinion survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health.
The survey findings reveal how important the No Surprises Act, which protects patients from the most egregious forms of surprise medical bills, is to people's financial well-being. Half of adults nationwide (50%) said either they would not have or are not sure they would have the money to pay an unexpected medical bill of more than $1,000 that they thought would be covered by insurance. When asked what methods they might employ to be able to pay the bill, 14% said they simply would not be able to pay such a bill, 34% said they would pay for it on a credit card, 33% would pay out-of-pocket, 32% would work out a payment plan with the doctor/provider and 10% would avoid or delay purchasing essentials (i.e., food, rent, utilities).
Since January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act has prevented millions of surprise medical bills, which amounted to hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars each. The law passed with broad, bipartisan support in Congress, but special interests are working to undermine it and weaken essential protections for families.
"Before the No Surprises Act, patients were often hit with unexpected medical bills that could throw them into financial crisis and led some to avoid seeking care or treatment altogether," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "Patients can't afford to go back to a time when they were one unexpected medical bill away from devastating debt. Congress and the White House must keep the No Surprises Act strong and not allow special interests to put profits over patients."
Prior to the implementation of the No Surprises Act, patients could get a surprise medical bill after unknowingly receiving care from a health care provider, hospital or air ambulance transport company that was outside their insurer's coverage network. The law was also designed to keep health insurance premiums more affordable and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients, helping families across America better afford the care they need.
The American Heart Association continues to lead a national campaign to increase awareness of the No Surprises Act and its protections by amplifying the voices of patients. The grassroots campaign features digital and social media advertising to reinforce the benefits of the bipartisan law. The Association is also mobilizing advocates nationwide through its You're the Cure grassroots network to contact their lawmakers during the upcoming congressional recess about the importance of the No Surprises Act. Members of the public are invited to join the Association's efforts to protect patients from surprise medical bills by texting "SURPRISE" to 46839.
"Patients with emergency medical needs, including heart attack, cardiac arrest and stroke, must be able to prioritize their health and not live in fear of receiving a surprise medical bill for care they thought would be covered by insurance," said J. Carter Ralphe, M.D., FAAP, FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and Professor and Division Chief, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. "Patient advocates want lawmakers in Washington to stand up for them and keep the No Surprises Act strong."
The Harris Poll conducted the survey online within the United States from June 25-27, 2024, among 2092 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Of those, 18% had previously received an unexpected medical bill of $1,000 or more in the past year. A summary of the polling results is here.
