Bill > H1046

This bill aims to address out-of-network billing for certain medical services. Key provisions include: - Requiring healthcare providers to disclose their network status and estimated costs to patients when scheduling services, with some exceptions for emergency care. - Establishing requirements for out-of-network providers to obtain prior written consent from patients and disclose information about costs. - Defining "facility fees" charged by hospitals or hospital-based facilities and requiring disclosure to patients. - Expanding requirements for health insurers to provide information to members about out-of-network costs and establishing an independent dispute resolution process for resolving disputes between insurers and out-of-network providers over reimbursement amounts. - Specifying that patients shall not be liable for "surprise bills" and shall only pay the in-network cost-sharing amount in certain situations involving out-of-network providers. Overall, the bill seeks to increase transparency around out-of-network costs and protect patients from unexpected medical bills.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1046