WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 25-1317

Correct Error in Self-Pay Estimate Statute

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandi Bradley and 8 co-sponsors

Clarifies that self-pay charges can exceed the estimate by up to 15% or $400, whichever is less, unless emergency or unforeseen medically necessary services justify higher costs.

Governor Signed
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 25-1317

Summary — HB 25-1317: Correct Error in Self‑Pay Estimate Statute

Status: Governor signed (June 4, 2025) — Effective August 6, 2025 (90 days after adjournment)
Introduced: April 1, 2025 | Statute amended: C.R.S. 25-49-106(1)(b)
Sponsor(s): Reps. Brandi Bradley, Michael Carter; Sen. Tony Exum (primary), with multiple cosponsors

Purpose / Intent

To correct a drafting error in the Colorado statute governing self-pay cost estimates for health‑care services so the law accurately reflects current practice. The change clarifies the meaning of the statutory $400 dollar qualifier that accompanies a 15% tolerance on final charges relative to a self‑pay estimate.

Key provisions

  • Amends C.R.S. 25-49-106(1)(b)(I)–(II).
  • Clarifies that, except in emergency or unforeseen medically necessary circumstances, a provider may not charge a self‑pay patient more than 15% above the total estimated cost OR more than $400 above the total estimated cost, whichever is less. The bill makes clear that the "$400" limit refers to the dollar amount by which the final charge may exceed the estimate — not a cap on the total cost of the service.
  • Revises the exception language to allow final charges to exceed the estimate by more than 15% or by more than $400 when a medical emergency is associated with the service or an additional unforeseen, medically necessary service is required. The bill removes the inapplicable "whichever is less" phrase from the exception clause.
  • Maintains the requirement that providers make reasonable efforts to obtain the patient's (or authorized agent’s) consent before providing emergency or unforeseen medically necessary services that will increase cost by more than 15% or by more than $400.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Self‑pay patients (those requesting and relying on self‑pay cost estimates) and health‑care providers/facilities and their billing/patient services personnel.
  • Secondary: Consumer advocates and billing administrators who rely on clear statutory language for compliance.
  • Fiscal: State and local government operations are not affected financially.

Fiscal & practical impact

  • Nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff fiscal notes (initial and final) assess no fiscal impact to state or local government. No appropriation required.
  • The change is technical/clarifying and is intended to codify existing practice and remove ambiguity that could otherwise be interpreted to cap total costs at $400.

Legislative timeline / actions

  • Introduced in House: April 1, 2025 (Health & Human Services Committee)
  • Passed House and Senate (no amendments) in April–May 2025
  • Sent to Governor: May 14, 2025
  • Governor signed: June 4, 2025
  • Effective date: August 6, 2025 (subject to referendum)

This bill is a statutory revision recommended by the Statutory Revision Committee to correct an incorrect reference and clarify billing standards for self‑pay estimates.

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

Sign in to ask a question.