This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 16-5B-21, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing price transparency in hospitals. It mandates that hospitals compile and publish an annual list of the 50 most commonly performed health care services, including procedure codes, undiscounted prices, and any facility fees. The list must be presented in plain language for better understanding by individuals without medical training and must be made available on the hospital's website by January 31 each year. Additionally, hospitals are required to provide good faith estimates of anticipated charges for nonemergency services upon patient request, detailing the services included, the hospital's insurance status, and any potential out-of-network charges.

The bill also stipulates that hospitals that fail to comply with these requirements may face sanctions, including civil monetary penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation. Importantly, the obligation to provide estimates does not extend to emergency departments, and hospitals are not liable for discrepancies between estimates and actual charges. Overall, the legislation aims to empower patients with clearer information regarding health care costs, thereby promoting informed decision-making in their health care choices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5B-21