Heath Care Pricing Transparency and Consumer Rights: Beyond the appeal

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
  • The Missouri Department of Insurance gives instructions for complaints involving...
    • health insurance plans they regulate
    • health insurance plans they do not regulate
  • State Attorneys General help protect and advocate for consumers
  • State legislators can address problems in the wider industry through new legislation
• Federal level
  • To report non-compliance with the No Surprises Act, contact the U.S. CMS
  • Any complaint about unfair business practices can be directed to the Federal Trade Commission
  • Inform your Congressional representative and senators

While one might experience problems with the financial side of health care, 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.