Hospital providers would give patients written cost estimates on request

A hospital provider must give a written estimate when a patient or representative requests one at least three days before scheduled care. It covers elective procedures, tests, and other nonemergency services performed by a hospital provider. A legally authorized representative may request the estimate. The estimate uses health plan information supplied by the patient, information reasonably available to the provider, and the provider’s standard charges. The estimate is not a contract or guarantee of the final bill. The provider is not in violation if the patient or insurer supplies inaccurate or incomplete plan information, or the insurer later decides the claim differently. The request must be made no less than three days before the scheduled service.

A hospital provider must give written information about how patients can request an estimate. The information must be posted in public areas of the provider’s facility or office, including admissions or registration areas, and on any website the provider maintains.