Thread by @teresamurray

Thanks @malonespeaking for having @uspirg on your show today to talk about medical bills & the latest Equifax mess.
Good news when we schedule a doctor's visit or procedure. The federal #NoSurprisesAct requires upfront estimates. @PatriciaKelmar uspirgedfund.org/blogs/blog/usp… (THREAD)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar Just like we can get a written estimate for a home improvement or car repair, we can start getting written, upfront estimates for medical care. It's in effect now for people without insurance or for uncovered procedures. It will take effect soon for people who have insurance. (2)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar This protection is long overdue. It will help us not get shocked so bad by medical bills that it might cause a different health issue. And as @RobOn1100 noted, it might allow us to shop around for medical care and compare prices. cms.gov/files/document… (3)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar @RobOn1100 If your bill is more than $400 higher than the good faith estimate, you can challenge it with this form. There is a $25 fee to file a dispute. If you don't get the estimate you are entitled to by law, call the Surprise Billing hotline at 1-800-985-3059 (4) cms.gov/nosurprises/co…

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar @RobOn1100 Remember, this is in effect now for visits/procedures not covered by insurance.

It will be in effect soon for visits/procedures that are covered by insurance. You can still ask now for an Advanced Explanation of Benefits.
uspirgedfund.org/blogs/blog/usp… (5)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar @RobOn1100 On Equifax, the @WSJ broke the story Tuesday that Equifax has another mess. It provided incorrect credit scores for millions of consumers applying for loans, credit cards, apartments, etc. @MikeLittUSA @edmpirg uspirg.org/news/usp/state… (6)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar @RobOn1100 @WSJ @MikeLittUSA @edmpirg Anyone who thinks they were affected by this screw-up this year, stay tuned. This will be a big mess for Equifax, banks, etc. to untangle. @MikeLittUSA @edmpirg @https://www.wsj.com/articles/equifax-sent-lenders-inaccurate-credit-scores-on-millions-of-consumers-11659467483 (7)

@malonespeaking @uspirg @PatriciaKelmar @RobOn1100 @WSJ @MikeLittUSA @edmpirg Finally, this services as a good reminder of how important it is for consumers to know whether they have A credit, B credit, etc. Most credit card issuers and even banks where you have deposit accounts provide this information free every month. @MikeLittUSA
@edmpirg (END)