PA HB2241

Hospitals must publish online a machine-readable file containing standard charges for all items and services, including gross charges, negotiated rates with each insurer, minimum/maximum negotiated charges, and discounted cash prices, updated at least annually.

Hospitals must maintain a consumer-friendly list of standard charges for at least 300 "shoppable services" that patients can schedule in advance, including the 70 services specified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medical offices (excluding hospitals and pharmacies) must make available to patients a list of standard charges for services provided at least 50 times in the preceding year, with the same pricing categories required of hospitals.

Civil penalties for hospital violations range from $2,500 for a first offense up to $15,000 per day for fourth or subsequent offenses, and hospitals with three or more violations become ineligible for Hospital Uncompensated Care Program payments.

The Department of Health must establish a complaint process, publish all hospital pricing reports on its website within 60 days, and submit annual implementation progress reports to legislative committees.