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Bill

SB 2277

RELATING TO HOSPITAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii hospitals must publicly disclose service prices to increase patient price transparency and enable cost comparison before non-emergency care.

Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
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Bill Summary · SB 2277

Legislative bill overview

SB 2277 establishes requirements for Hawaii hospitals to provide transparent pricing information to patients and the public. The bill aims to give consumers better access to hospital service costs before receiving care, addressing the current lack of price clarity in the healthcare system.

Why is this important

Hospital pricing in Hawaii, like most states, remains largely opaque, making it difficult for patients to compare costs or plan financially for care. Price transparency can reduce unexpected medical debt, enable informed decision-making, and potentially create competitive pressure that moderates costs. Hawaii's island economy and limited hospital options make this transparency particularly relevant for residents with fewer alternatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Hospitals may argue that detailed price transparency requirements impose significant administrative and IT costs, particularly for smaller facilities
  • Proprietary concerns: Healthcare systems may resist revealing negotiated rates with insurers, claiming competitive disadvantage or contract confidentiality issues
  • Scope ambiguity: Disagreement over which services must be priced (emergency vs. elective), how bundled services are displayed, and whether estimates for complex cases are feasible
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics may argue transparency alone doesn't address underlying cost drivers or that comparison shopping doesn't apply to emergency/urgent situations

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

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