Court officers union urges Congress to curb surprise medical bills

The state court officer honor guard presents the colors at an event in 2018. Eagle file photo by Todd Maisel

By David Brand

The head of the union representing thousands of state Supreme Court officers has urged Congress to boost insurance coverage for emergency and essential workers nationwide.

In a letter to Congress Wednesday, New York State Supreme Court Officers Association President Patrick Cullen said surprise medical expenses are driving union members and other Americans into debt, even though they have medical coverage. Insurance companies deny coverage for key procedures, or even transportation, burdening patients with insurmountable medical bills.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, working men and women were being squeezed by surprise medical costs at a time when we can least afford it,” Cullen said. “The long-term impact from serious health problems caused by COVID-19 is only going to intensify our need for affordable healthcare that places patients ahead of profits.” 

Cullen’s letter thanked Speaker Nancy Pelosi for raising the issue, but said the current policy proposals still do not force insurers to provide adequate coverage.

“We are asking both parties in Congress to protect the health care needs of working men and women, like our members, at this critical time,” Cullen said.