FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1869

C 529 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the transparency of health care cost information.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Bailey, Hinkle, Anderson, Ericksen and Kelley).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

There is little transparency in the cost of health care services for consumers. Most health care delivered is paid primarily by a third party: either a health insurance carrier or a public program that purchases health care for covered individuals. Transparency and better public information on the cost and quality of health care can help providers improve by benchmarking their performance against others, encouraging private insurers and public programs to reward quality and efficiency, and helping patients make informed choices about their care.

Summary:

All fees and charges for health care services by health care providers and licensed facilities must be disclosed at the request of the patient. Providers and facilities may refer a patient to the patient's insurer for specific information on the insurer's charges and fees, any cost-sharing responsibilities required of the patient, and the network status of ancillary providers who may or may not share the same network status as the provider or facility. Providers and facilities must post a sign in patient registration areas indicating patients may ask about the estimated charges of the health services.

Votes on Final Passage: