Virginia Medical Bill Rights

42 U.S.C. § 300gg-111 (No Surprises Act)

Federal law (effective January 1, 2022) prohibits surprise out-of-network bills for emergency services, air ambulance services, and most non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Patients owe no more than the in-network cost-share. Providers and insurers must resolve payment disputes through Independent Dispute Resolution, not by billing the patient.

Va. Code § 38.2-3445.01 (Balance Billing Protection)

Virginia prohibits balance billing for emergency services and non-emergency services at in-network facilities delivered by out-of-network providers. Patients pay only the in-network cost-share; provider-insurer disputes go to State Corporation Commission arbitration.

26 U.S.C. § 501(r) (Nonprofit Hospital Financial Assistance Requirement)

Federal law requires every nonprofit (501(c)(3)) hospital to maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy, publicize it widely, and screen all uninsured/underinsured patients for eligibility before sending unpaid bills to collections. Patients eligible for assistance cannot be charged more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients. Applies to roughly 3,000 nonprofit hospitals (about 58% of all US hospitals, 80% of beds).

15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)

Federal law restricts how third-party debt collectors may contact consumers about medical or other debts. Consumers may demand written validation of any debt within 30 days of first contact; collectors must cease communication if requested in writing; harassment, deception, and unfair practices are prohibited.

Va. Code § 32.1-137.06

Virginia hospitals must provide each patient or person responsible for their bill with an itemized statement of charges upon written request, including a clear identification of each charge.

Va. Code § 8.01-413.1 (Medical Debt Credit Reporting Restrictions)

Virginia prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including most medical debt on consumer credit reports.