New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08039

Introduced
5/15/25  

Caption

Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier.

Impact

The bill amends Section 2830 of the public health law by placing stricter regulations on how facility fees are billed to patients. Specifically, it mandates that patients receive written notifications about any facility fees at least seven days before receiving services, allowing them to understand the costs involved and whether their insurance will cover these fees. This provision is particularly essential for those who may be uninsured, as it provides them with necessary guidance on how to apply for financial assistance. Exemptions are made for preventive care services, which will continue to be free from such fees, supporting public health initiatives.

Summary

Bill S08039, also known as the 'Lower Hospital Bills Act', seeks to prohibit hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by a patient's health insurance. This law aims to increase transparency in healthcare billing, ensuring that patients are fully aware of any potential fees that may not be compensated by their insurance carriers. In contexts where such fees are applicable, healthcare providers would be required to inform patients adequately and in advance, thus safeguarding consumers against unexpected healthcare costs.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the enforcement of patient notification. Critics of the bill might argue about the feasibility of ensuring compliance by hospitals and healthcare providers, particularly when services are arranged on short notice. Additionally, the healthcare industry may express concerns about potential financial impacts on their operations stemming from the prohibition of non-covered facility fees. Furthermore, some advocates for healthcare reform could question whether this legislation goes far enough in addressing broader issues within the healthcare billing system.

Companion Bills

NY A05342

Same As Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier.

Previously Filed As

NY S04922

Prohibits approved organizations providing coverage under the child health insurance plan from discriminating against health care providers which do not participate in the organization's health care network.

NY A09541

Prohibits approved organizations providing coverage under the child health insurance plan from discriminating against health care providers which do not participate in the organization's health care network.

NY A08977

Requires maternal health care providers facilitate a screening for maternal depression within the first six weeks of birth and that such screening be covered by insurance.

NY A09579

Requires maternal health care providers facilitate a screening for maternal depression, unless refused by the birth mother, within the first six weeks of birth and that such screening be covered by insurance.

NY A00842

Enacts the "health insurance preauthorization disclosure act"; requires health insurance companies to provide participating health care providers with a list of health care treatments and services that require preauthorization from the health insurance company.

NY S01782

Enacts the "health insurance preauthorization disclosure act"; requires health insurance companies to provide participating health care providers with a list of health care treatments and services that require preauthorization from the health insurance company.

NY A02415

Requires nursing homes and certain facilities to provide health care proxy forms to patients at or prior to admission to such facilities; requires the facility to file such health care proxies with the department of health.

NY A03816

Requires health insurers to offer coverage of health care provided by out-of-network providers.

NY S01330

Provides that no insurance contract or agreement between a health insurance plan and a health care provider, other than a residential health care facility, shall include a provision that: contains a most-favored-nation provision; or restricts the ability of a corporation, an entity that contracts with a corporation for a provider network, or a health care provider to disclose certain costs, prices or information; extends the effective date from January 1, 2023 until July 1, 2023.

NY A02205

Provides that no insurance contract or agreement between a health insurance plan and a health care provider, other than a residential health care facility, shall include a provision that: contains a most-favored-nation provision; or restricts the ability of a corporation, an entity that contracts with a corporation for a provider network, or a health care provider to disclose certain costs, prices or information; extends the effective date from January 1, 2023 until July 1, 2023.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.