Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier.
Impact
The bill amends Section 2830 of the public health law by placing stricter regulations on how facility fees are billed to patients. Specifically, it mandates that patients receive written notifications about any facility fees at least seven days before receiving services, allowing them to understand the costs involved and whether their insurance will cover these fees. This provision is particularly essential for those who may be uninsured, as it provides them with necessary guidance on how to apply for financial assistance. Exemptions are made for preventive care services, which will continue to be free from such fees, supporting public health initiatives.
Summary
Bill S08039, also known as the 'Lower Hospital Bills Act', seeks to prohibit hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by a patient's health insurance. This law aims to increase transparency in healthcare billing, ensuring that patients are fully aware of any potential fees that may not be compensated by their insurance carriers. In contexts where such fees are applicable, healthcare providers would be required to inform patients adequately and in advance, thus safeguarding consumers against unexpected healthcare costs.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the enforcement of patient notification. Critics of the bill might argue about the feasibility of ensuring compliance by hospitals and healthcare providers, particularly when services are arranged on short notice. Additionally, the healthcare industry may express concerns about potential financial impacts on their operations stemming from the prohibition of non-covered facility fees. Furthermore, some advocates for healthcare reform could question whether this legislation goes far enough in addressing broader issues within the healthcare billing system.
Same As
Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier.
Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Requires an insurance company which owns a health care provider to pay any health care provider which it does not own an amount that is no less than the amount that it pays a health care provider which it does own for a comparable service; prohibits an insurance company which is owned by a health care provider from paying any health care provider which does not own such insurance company an amount that is less than the amount that it pays a health care provider which does own such company for a comparable service.
Requires an insurance company which owns a health care provider to pay any health care provider which it does not own an amount that is no less than the amount that it pays a health care provider which it does own for a comparable service; prohibits an insurance company which is owned by a health care provider from paying any health care provider which does not own such insurance company an amount that is less than the amount that it pays a health care provider which does own such company for a comparable service.
Establishes the New York dignity in pregnancy and childbirth act; requires hospitals and other facilities that provide perinatal care to implement an evidence-based implicit bias program for all health care providers involved in the perinatal care of patients within those facilities; requires the department of health to publish reports on maternal morbidity and pregnancy related deaths.
Prohibits approved organizations providing coverage under the child health insurance plan from discriminating against health care providers which do not participate in the organization's health care network.