Health care industry opposes Congress' new surprise medical bill legislation

The health care industry is not very happy with Congress' latest proposal on surprise medical bills, which also includes other provisions designed to lower health costs.

Driving the news: The bill, championed by Sen. Lamar Alexander and Reps. Frank Pallone and Greg Walden, cracks down on industry behavior that is often profitable at patients' expense.

What they're saying: Providers are complaining that arbitration can only be used to settle payment disputes over out-of-network bills over $750.

The other side: The Coalition Against Surprise Medical Billing, which includes employer groups and insurers, is complaining that arbitration is included at all.

• The generic drug industry also released a statement criticizing the bill's drug component.
• The White House released a statement of support, writing that "this compromise reflects the input of doctors and hospitals and is the result of months of delicate work to reach a deal among congressional members and the White House that protects patients."

Go deeper:

• Key lawmakers reach deal on surprise medical bills
• Surprise bills often hit in emergencies