Bill > SB1267

This bill modifies hospital price transparency laws by establishing new rules for how hospitals can collect debts for medical services when they are not in compliance with federal price transparency requirements. Specifically, starting August 28, 2026, hospitals that are not materially compliant with hospital price transparency laws (as defined by Section 2718(e) of the Public Health Service Act) cannot initiate debt collection actions against patients for services provided during their non-compliance period. If a patient believes a hospital is not compliant and the hospital attempts to collect a debt, the patient can file a lawsuit to determine the hospital's compliance status. If a judge finds the hospital materially out of compliance, 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 reporting. The bill defines key terms like "collection action," "debt collector," and "consumer reporting agency" and clarifies that hospitals can still bill patients and third-party insurers, but cannot pursue collection actions during non-compliance periods. This legislation aims to incentivize hospitals to maintain transparent pricing practices and protect patients from potential billing abuses.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=391