Reduce Healthcare Costs and Protect Patients.

This bill aims to lower healthcare expenses and shield patients from unexpected financial burdens by establishing new rules for insurance plans and medical billing. It directly affects individuals with health insurance, hospitals, and insurance companies operating in North Carolina. Key provisions include capping annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000, prohibiting surprise billing for nonemergency care at in-network facilities, and delaying the reporting of unpaid medical bills to credit agencies until 180 days past due. Additionally, the legislation requires hospitals to publicly report negotiated prices for common medical procedures and mandates that emergency ground ambulance services be covered under standard health benefit packages.