Connecticut Senate Bill SB00451

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17
• Refer: 3/24/17
• Report Pass: 3/24/17
• Refer: 4/7/17
• Report Pass: 4/13/17

Caption

An Act Protecting Patients From Unreasonable Medical Bills.

Impact

Upon its enactment, this legislation is expected to amend existing statutes related to healthcare billing, particularly those that address patient notifications about facility fees at hospital-based facilities. The bill asserts that hospitals must not only disclose the existence of facility fees but also provide detailed information regarding the estimated costs associated with such fees, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their medical care and potential expenses. Failure to comply with these requirements would prevent hospitals from billing for such fees, reinforcing accountability in the healthcare billing process.

Summary

SB00451, known as the 'Act Protecting Patients From Unreasonable Medical Bills', seeks to regulate the practices surrounding facility fees imposed by hospitals and health systems for outpatient services. The bill mandates that hospitals provide clear written notices to patients regarding facility fees that may accompany professional service fees. The primary aim is to ensure that patients are fully informed about their potential financial liabilities ahead of receiving healthcare services, thus fostering transparency in medical billing practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00451 appears to be largely positive among consumer protection advocates and patients who support the bill for increasing transparency in medical billing. However, there are apprehensions from some healthcare providers and hospital administrators who argue that the bill may impose additional burdens and operational challenges on hospital billing practices. The debate indicates a concern about balancing patient protections with the administrative realities faced by health systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential opposition from healthcare providers who may argue that the requirement to disclose detailed facility fees could complicate the process of billing and increase administrative workloads. Additionally, there are concerns about how such regulations might affect the overall cost of healthcare services provided at hospital facilities and whether the focus on transparency could inadvertently lead to increased prices. This ongoing dialogue reflects the broader national conversation about healthcare costs and patient rights.