This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16-5B-21, which mandates hospitals to disclose price and fee information for certain health care services. Hospitals are required to compile and publish an annual list of the 50 most commonly performed health care services, including procedure codes, undiscounted prices, and any facility fees. Additionally, if fewer than 50 services are performed, hospitals must include all services provided. The list must be made available on the hospital's website by January 31 each year and should include disclaimers about the variability of actual charges compared to the listed prices.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that hospitals must provide good faith estimates of anticipated charges for nonemergency services upon patient request, detailing the services included, the hospital's insurance network status, and any applicable facility fees. Hospitals are protected from liability if the actual charges differ from the estimates provided. Noncompliance with these requirements may result in sanctions, including civil monetary penalties. The bill aims to enhance price transparency in health care services, allowing patients to make more informed decisions regarding their medical care.

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