HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1869

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/13/09, 2/20/09 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires the disclosure of all fees and charges for health care services by health care providers and licensed health care facilities, at the request of a patient.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Background:

Currently, there is little transparency in the cost of health care services for consumers. Most health care delivered currently 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.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The substitute bill requires the disclosure of all fees and charges for health care services by health care providers and licensed facilities, at the request of the patient. Providers may refer the patient to their insurer for additional information on negotiated charges and fees and any applicable cost-sharing responsibilities of the patient.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill states that information provided to the patient will be an estimate of fees and charges for a specific service, visit, or stay. It will also include other types of fees and charges a patient may receive in conjunction with their visit.

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Appropriation: None.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) It is important for consumers to have accurate information on the costs and fees related to the delivery of their health care. It is not easy for a consumer to have access to information about fees and charges related to health care services provided by providers or health care facilities.

(With concerns) The language of the bill needs to be more specific about what exactly the provider or health care facility must provide to the patient.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Bailey, prime sponsor; Roger Stark, Washington Policy Center; Terry Hansen; and Troy Nichols, National Federal of Independent Business.

(With concerns) Lisa Thatcher, Washington State Hospital Association; and Susie Tracy, Washington State Medical Association.