Heath Care Pricing Transparency and Consumer Rights: Beyond the appeal
Where to file complaints
In addition to filing an official appeal through one's insurance website, patients with complaints involving providers or insurers may use the following avenues:
- Employees who get health insurance through the workplace can inform their HR departments of problems.
- Some health care providers post "Patient Bill of Rights" statements. It should list an address or phone number to report problems.
- State level
- Missouri Department of Insurance offers links and instructions for complaints involving...
- health insurance plans they regulate
- health insurance plans they do not regulate
- Attorneys General help protect and advocate for consumers
- State legislators are in a position to address problems in the wider industry through new legislation
- Missouri Department of Insurance offers links and instructions for complaints involving...
- Federal level
- Complaints about non-compliance with the No Surprises Act -- Contact the U.S. CMS
- Any complaint about unfair business practices - Federal Trade Commission
- Congressional representatives and senators
Remember the kudos
While one might experience problems with the financial side of health care, there is a flip side. We may have been fortunate enough to be treated by amazing doctors and nurses, or helped by a particularly kind and knowledgeable customer service agent. Consider writing separate letters of thanks to acknowledge those individuals.
