CT SB00993

Requires hospitals and health systems to provide written notice to patients before outpatient services at hospital-based facilities when a facility fee will be charged in addition to professional fees.

Notice must include the amount of potential financial liability, explanation that costs may be higher than non-hospital-based care, and advise insured patients to contact their health insurer for coverage details.

Requires hospital-based facilities to prominently display notices in waiting areas stating they are hospital-based and may charge facility fees, and clearly identify themselves as hospital-based in signage, marketing, websites, and stationery.

Effective October 1, 2015, prohibits hospitals and health systems from charging facility fees for Group 1 or Group 2 ambulatory payment classification services, evaluation and management services, or more than $100 for uninsured patients.

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for facility fees as medical expenses.