Bill > H1144

This bill aims to protect healthcare consumers from surprise billing and excessive facility fees by introducing several key provisions. It defines terms like "facility fee" (a charge for hospital operational expenses separate from professional medical services) and establishes restrictions on when healthcare providers can charge these fees, limiting them primarily to services on hospital campuses or in emergency departments. The bill requires healthcare providers to provide clear written notice to patients about potential facility fees, including information about higher financial liability, and mandates that facilities clearly identify their hospital association. For non-emergency services, providers must inform patients in advance if they are out-of-network, with specific notification timelines depending on how far in advance the service is scheduled. The legislation also establishes that in cases of unforeseen out-of-network services, patients will only be responsible for the same out-of-pocket costs they would pay for an in-network provider, with carriers required to reimburse out-of-network providers at a median contracted rate. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to investigate violations, allows licensing authorities to impose penalties, and prevents healthcare providers from forwarding surprise bills to patients. The overall goal is to increase transparency in healthcare billing and protect patients from unexpected and potentially high medical charges.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1144