The proposed legislation modifies existing regulations under Chapter 111 of the General Laws by introducing provisions that require healthcare providers to disclose facility fees at the time of service scheduling. This represents a significant shift towards enhancing patient awareness regarding healthcare costs, which is essential in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Moreover, the bill mandates that healthcare providers inform patients about potential financial responsibilities not covered by insurance, thereby encouraging more informed decision-making when accessing healthcare services.
Summary
Senate Bill 792, titled 'An Act Limiting Facility Fees', aims to regulate the fees charged by hospitals and health systems for outpatient services provided in hospital-based facilities. The legislation seeks to set a cap on these facility fees, establishing a maximum charge of $30 per patient visit for specific outpatient health care services. Notably, these services include those that use current procedural terminology evaluation and management codes provided at off-site hospital-based facilities, excluding emergency departments. This bill intends to hold healthcare providers accountable and to improve transparency in billing practices for patients seeking outpatient care.
Contention
Despite its intent to improve transparency and limit costs for patients, SB 792 could face opposition from healthcare providers and systems that may argue it undermines their financial viability. Critics may argue that the low threshold for facility fees could lead to operational challenges for hospitals, especially those that are already struggling financially. Furthermore, concerns could arise regarding the feasibility of providing adequate care while adhering to the limits placed on facility fees, which may impede hospitals’ ability to cover operational expenses associated with providing outpatient services. As such, the discussion surrounding this bill will likely involve balancing the need for cost control with the financial realities of healthcare service delivery.
An Act to Create Greater Transparency for Facility Fees Charged by Health Care Providers and to Establish the Task Force to Evaluate the Impact of Facility Fees on Patients