On July 1, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an interim final rule that aims to give patients additional protections from surprise medical bills. Specifically, the interim rule established protections from “surprise billing and excessive cost-sharing” for consumers receiving health care items and services. It also prohibits out-of-network charges for ancillary services without advance notice. The initial round of regulations applies to group health plans, health insurance issuers, health care providers and facilities, air ambulance services, among others. Most of the consumer protections included in the interim final rule take effect on January 1, 2022.