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SB 190

AN ACT CONCERNING DISTINCT BILLING SYSTEMS FOR HOSPITALS AND OFF-CAMPUS PROVIDER DEPARTMENTS OF HOSPITALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Hwang

Connecticut bill requiring hospitals to operate separate billing systems for main facilities versus off-campus departments to increase transparency and prevent facility-fee bundling.

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Bill Summary · SB 190

Legislative bill overview

SB 190 requires hospitals and their off-campus provider departments to maintain separate billing systems, preventing the bundling of charges between facility-based and non-facility services. The bill aims to increase transparency in hospital billing practices and ensure patients receive itemized bills that clearly distinguish between facility fees and provider services.

Why is this important

Hospital billing opacity is a major consumer complaint—patients often cannot distinguish between facility fees (which can be substantial) and actual provider services, making price comparison impossible. Off-campus departments of hospitals frequently charge facility fees similar to main campuses despite lower overhead, inflating patient costs. This separation requirement could help patients understand what they're paying for and may reduce unexpected billing surprises.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Hospitals argue separate billing systems require significant IT infrastructure investment and may increase administrative burden, potentially passed to patients through other charges
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on what constitutes an "off-campus provider department," creating compliance uncertainty and potential litigation over which facilities fall under the requirement
  • Insurance network complications: Separating billing could disrupt existing insurance contracts and payment arrangements, potentially affecting coverage or reimbursement negotiations between payers and providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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