Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act of 2026
To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to establish civil liability for health insurance issuers with high levels of claims denials.
This bill proposes to make changes to the Public Health Service Act by holding health insurance companies accountable when they deny too many patient claims. Specifically, it would establish rules for when these companies must refund patients if their claims are denied and later found to be valid.
This bill would affect patients who have had their claims denied by health insurance companies and the companies themselves. If passed, patients could see quicker refunds for valid claims, while insurance companies would face penalties for high denial rates.
HB8442 was introduced on April 22, 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further review. If the committee approves it, the bill will move forward in the legislative process for additional debate and voting.
