The bill, H.B. No. 1612, introduces a new section to the Health and Safety Code that mandates hospitals to accept direct payment from patients who are not enrolled in a health benefit plan for health care services. Specifically, it defines key terms such as "enrollee," "health benefit plan," "health care service," and "hospital." The bill stipulates that patients must request direct payment within 60 days of receiving a bill for the service, and the payment amount cannot exceed 25% above the lowest contracted rate that the hospital has agreed to accept for that service from other health benefit plans, excluding certain programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
This legislation aims to provide patients with more straightforward payment options while ensuring that hospitals do not charge excessively for services rendered. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, allowing time for hospitals and patients to adjust to the new payment structure.
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