Bill > SB336

This bill introduces new provisions to enhance hospital price transparency and protect patients from collection actions when hospitals fail to comply with price transparency laws. Specifically, the bill defines key terms such as "hospital price transparency laws" (referring to Section 2718(e) of the Public Health Service Act and its implementing rules), "collection action" (which includes debt collection attempts, lawsuits, and credit reporting), and establishes new requirements for hospitals. Starting August 28, 2025, hospitals that are not in material compliance with price transparency laws will be prohibited from initiating collection actions against patients for services provided during non-compliant periods. If a hospital does attempt to collect a debt while not in compliance, patients can file a lawsuit to challenge the collection. If a judge or jury finds the hospital materially non-compliant, the hospital must refund the patient's paid debt, pay an additional penalty equal to the debt amount, dismiss any court actions with prejudice, pay the patient's legal fees, and remove any related credit reports. The bill importantly does not prevent hospitals from billing patients or third-party insurers, but restricts punitive collection actions when transparency requirements are not met, thus incentivizing hospitals to provide clear pricing information to patients.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=505