Every patient in North Carolina should be protected from billing mistakes—whether they go to a hospital or a small private doctor’s office.

Right now, NC General Statute § 131E-91(b) requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to refund patients for any undisputed overpayments within 45 days. But private practices, family doctors, and specialty clinics are excluded from this law—meaning patients who overpay can be left waiting indefinitely for a refund, or worse, may never receive one.

This creates an unnecessary burden for patients who may already be struggling financially. Without a law that applies to all healthcare providers, patients are left with few options to get their money back promptly.

We’re calling on the North Carolina General Assembly, especially the leadership of the House and Senate Health Committees, to fix this gap by amending the law to apply to all licensed healthcare providers in the state.

If a patient has overpaid, and there’s no dispute about it, the provider should have to refund that money within 45 days. It’s that simple.

Please join us in urging:

• Rep. Donny Lambeth (Chair, House Health Committee)
• Rep. Donna White (Chair, House Health Committee)
• Rep. Tim Reeder (Chair, House Health Committee)
• Sen. Jim Burgin (Chair, Senate Health Care Committee)
• Sen. Amy Galey (Chair, Senate Health Care Committee)
• Sen. Benton Sawrey (Chair, Senate Health Care Committee

…to sponsor and pass legislation that ensures all healthcare providers in North Carolina are held to the same standards of fairness and accountability when it comes to patient billing.

North Carolinians deserve equal treatment, regardless of where they receive care. Help us close this loophole and bring justice to medical billing.

💌 After signing, please share this petition and tag your local representatives on social media. Let’s make sure patient rights are respected everywhere in North Carolina.