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SB 2107

HOSPITAL BILLING DISCLOSURES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Porfirio

Illinois bill requiring hospitals to disclose billing practices, charges, and financial assistance options upfront to help patients understand costs and access aid programs.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 2107

Legislative bill overview

SB 2107 requires Illinois hospitals to provide patients with clear, upfront disclosures about billing practices, charges, and financial assistance options before or at the time of service. The bill aims to increase transparency in hospital billing and help patients understand their potential financial obligations.

Why is this important

Hospital billing is a leading cause of consumer debt and financial hardship in the U.S., often with opaque pricing that prevents patients from making informed decisions. Clear disclosure requirements can help patients understand costs, comparison-shop between providers where possible, and access financial assistance programs they may qualify for. This addresses a documented gap where many eligible patients don't use available assistance because they're unaware it exists.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Hospitals argue compliance costs—implementing new systems, training staff, and creating multilingual materials—may be passed to patients through higher fees or reduced services, particularly affecting smaller rural hospitals
  • Practical limitations: Emergency situations don't allow time for disclosures; chronic conditions involve unpredictable complications; insurance coverage determinations often aren't finalized until after treatment
  • Existing regulations: Federal rules (including price transparency requirements) and state regulations already impose disclosure obligations, raising questions about whether this duplicates requirements or creates conflicting standards

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

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