BILL REQ. #: H-2276.1

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SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1869
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State of Washington

61st Legislature

2009 Regular Session

By House Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Bailey, Hinkle, Anderson, Ericksen, and Kelley)

READ FIRST TIME 02/23/09.

AN ACT Relating to transparency of health care cost information; and adding a new section to chapter 70.01 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 70.01 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Health care providers licensed under Title 18 RCW and health care facilities licensed under Title 70 RCW, shall provide the following to a patient upon request:
     (a) An estimate of fees and charges related to a specific service, visit, or stay; and
     (b) Information regarding other types of fees or charges a patient may receive in conjunction with their visit to the provider or facility.
     (2) Providers and facilities listed in subsection (1) of this section may, after disclosing estimated charges and fees to a patient, refer the patient to the patient's insurer, if applicable, for specific information on the insurer's negotiated charges and fees, and any cost- sharing responsibilities required of the patient.

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