Balance billing is common in the medical industry. So, if you've ever been to the emergency room or have seen a doctor, you might have experienced balance billing. But hopefully, if things go right at the state Capitol, balance billing will be a thing of the past.

“It is a really prevalent problem that people go in and through no fault of their own they receive this surprise medical bill,” Arizona State Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, said.

Carrie Wallinger was recently profiled in a 3 On Your Side report when she was left with balance billing.

“Panic! I don't have $9,000 to pay for something like that,” said Wallinger.

Wallinger’s finger was injured breaking up a fight between her dogs. Although the hospital she went to was "in network," the doctor called in from the Arizona Center for Hand Surgery to repair her finger was out of network.

After getting paid the lower "in network" amount from Wallinger's insurance, the Arizona Center for Hand Surgery billed Wallinger the balance of $9,000.

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