The "Fair Pricing for Routine Medical Care Act" aims to enhance transparency and fairness in healthcare billing practices by prohibiting hospitals and health systems from charging facility fees for specific outpatient services, including preventive health care, vaccinations, and telehealth services, starting January 1, 2027. The bill specifies that these fees cannot be charged directly to patients, particularly those without health insurance coverage. However, exceptions are made for inpatient services, emergency department services, and facilities located in rural areas. Additionally, hospitals must provide clear notifications about potential facility fees at the time of appointment scheduling and service delivery, including information on whether these fees may not be covered by insurance.

To further promote transparency, the bill mandates that hospitals report detailed data on facility fees to the all-payer claims database, including the frequency and total amount of fees charged, as well as the most common billing codes associated with these fees. Hospitals are also required to post visible notices in both English and Spanish regarding facility fees and to provide standardized, itemized bills to patients. If a patient decides to cancel or reschedule an appointment due to concerns about facility fees, the hospital cannot impose any penalties. This legislation seeks to protect patients from unexpected costs and ensure they are well-informed about their healthcare expenses.