Bill > HB689

This bill provides comprehensive pricing transparency requirements for hospitals in Montana, aimed at helping patients understand and compare healthcare costs. The legislation mandates that hospitals publish detailed, machine-readable lists of standard charges for all hospital items and services, as well as a consumer-friendly list of at least 300 shoppable services (or all services if fewer than 300 are available). Hospitals must disclose various types of charges, including gross charges, negotiated rates with different insurance payors, discounted cash prices, and minimum and maximum negotiated charges. The bill requires hospitals to update these lists annually, make them easily accessible online without barriers like account creation, and ensure they are searchable and printable. Additionally, hospitals must report facility fees and other detailed financial information to the Department of Public Health and Human Services annually. The legislation includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the state Department of Justice to investigate violations and giving patients a private right of action if hospitals fail to comply. Notably, the bill also prohibits hospitals from pursuing debt collection against patients if they are not in compliance with the pricing transparency requirements. Violations can result in penalties, and hospitals may be barred from collecting debts related to services provided during non-compliance periods.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3419