Bill > SB752

This bill provides comprehensive requirements for hospital price transparency and prohibits debt collection actions against patients for noncompliant hospitals in Pennsylvania. The legislation mandates that hospitals publicly disclose detailed pricing information for their services, including a comprehensive list of standard charges for all hospital items and a consumer-friendly list of at least 300 shoppable services. Hospitals must publish these lists on their websites in a readable, searchable format, including details like gross charges, negotiated rates with different payors, and discounted cash prices. The bill requires hospitals to update these lists at least annually and submit reports to the state Department of Health. If a hospital fails to comply with these transparency requirements, it is prohibited from pursuing debt collection against patients for services provided during the period of noncompliance. The bill establishes escalating civil penalties for hospitals that violate the transparency rules, starting at $2,500 for a first offense and increasing to $15,000 for subsequent violations. Hospitals that repeatedly fail to comply may also become ineligible for certain state funding. The legislation aims to help patients understand healthcare costs in advance and protect them from aggressive debt collection practices when hospitals are not meeting transparency standards.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=752