State guide · CA ·
Dispute a medical bill in California.
California gives you stronger protections than federal law alone. Audra audits your bill against California Health and Safety Code § 1371.9 (AB-72), the federal No Surprises Act, and your insurer's contracted rates — then drafts a ready-to-send appeal letter in 60 seconds.
“Roughly 1 in 5 California adults reports having past-due medical bills, according to KFF survey data.”
The law
California Health and Safety Code § 1371.9 (AB-72)
Cite: AB-72
AB-72 protects insured Californians from balance billing when they receive care at an in-network facility from an out-of-network provider — including emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists. You can only be charged your in-network cost-sharing.
Your rights
What California protects you from.
- 01
Out-of-network providers at in-network facilities cannot bill you above your in-network cost-sharing (deductible, copay, coinsurance).
- 02
Emergency department services are always treated as in-network for cost-sharing purposes, regardless of which physician you see.
- 03
You have the right to dispute charges through California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Independent Dispute Resolution if your insurer and provider disagree.
- 04
Hospitals must provide itemized bills within 10 business days of your request (HSC § 1339.585).
How Audra helps
From upload to appeal in 60 seconds.
01
Upload your bill
Drop a PDF, photo, or EOB into Audra. Encrypted in your browser before it leaves your device.
02
We check it against the law
Audra cross-references every line item against California Health and Safety Code § 1371.9 (AB-72), the federal No Surprises Act, your insurer's contracted rates, and CMS billing rules.
03
Get a ready-to-send appeal
We draft a letter citing the specific CA statute and any federal protections that apply, formatted for your insurer and provider. Print it, email it, or send it from inside Audra.
In-state coverage
Works for bills from any California provider.
Audra audits bills from every major hospital system in California, including:
If your bill comes from an out-of-state provider, Audra still works — federal protections apply nationwide.
If the provider won't budge
File a complaint with the CA Attorney General.
If your appeal letter doesn't resolve the bill within 30 days, escalate to the California Attorney General. They have authority to investigate billing complaints and, in some cases, subpoena provider records.
Official complaint portal
California Attorney General
oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-companyStop paying what you don't owe.
Your first audit is free. After that, $30 per bill, or $15/mo for up to 25 audits/month.
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