TX HB1612

Requires hospitals to accept direct full payment from uninsured patients (those not enrolled in any health benefit plan) for health care services when requested

Patients must make the direct payment request within 60 days of receiving their bill, and the bill must notify patients of this right

Caps the amount hospitals can charge direct-pay patients at either 25% above the amounts generally billed OR 50% above the hospital's lowest contracted rate with commercial insurers (excluding Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare rates)

Applies to public and private hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 but excludes ambulatory surgical centers

Preserves patients' eligibility for charity care they would otherwise qualify for; takes effect September 1, 2025