BILL NUMBER: S5693
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to hospital compli-
ance with federal hospital price transparency law and rules
 
PURPOSE:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to hospital compli-
ance with federal hospital price transparency law and rules
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends section 2805 of the Public Health Law by adding a new
subdivision 3 requires monthly reports on hospital compliance with
federal hospital price transparency laws and rules. It also adds if the
hospital is not in compliance with federal price transparency law; they
cannot access any funds pursuant to section twenty-eight hundred seven k
of this article.
Section 2. Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Federal law and regulations (Medicare) require hospitals in the United
States to provide clear pricing information about the services they
provide in a consumer-friendly display. This price transparency allows
consumers to understand what they will be paying before they receive a
specific service. Hospitals must post prices for services like x-rays,
lab tests, and colonoscopies. The prices must include the rate with
insurance and the price if paying with cash. Giving consumers the abili-
ty to view prices beforehand helps them find the hospital that will work
best for them and gives them the ability to compare prices. It also
gives ERISA plans a line of sight regarding hospitals' specific service
prices.
We must ensure that hospitals in New York State are current on their
compliance. This legislation would require the Commissioner of Health to
post monthly reports on hospital compliance. If a hospital does not meet
the guidelines, it cannot access funds from the indigent care pool.
However, the hospital may be allowed to continue accessing funds if the
commissioner deems the facility essential and it is working on complying
with the Federal Price Transparency Law.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: N/A
2024: S8988A, Amend and Recommit to Health
Assembly
2023: No Assembly Same-As
2024: No Assembly Same-As
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment,
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S5693: 2805 public health law