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HB 5289

Relating to notice provided by a health care provider before initiating debt collection against a patient.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Caroline Harris Davila and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill requires health care providers to notify patients in writing and allow a grace period before initiating debt collection on unpaid medical bills.

Referred to Public Health
#debt(s0116) #healthcareproviders(i0387) #hospitals(i0400)
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Bill Summary · HB 5289

Legislative bill overview

HB 5289 requires health care providers to give patients written notice and a specific time period to pay outstanding medical bills before initiating debt collection proceedings. The bill establishes minimum notification requirements and grace periods that providers must follow before taking collection action against patients.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy and financial hardship for Americans. This bill addresses a common complaint where patients receive collection notices without adequate warning or opportunity to resolve bills directly with providers, potentially protecting consumers from aggressive collection tactics and giving them time to negotiate payment arrangements.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider burden: Health care providers may argue the mandated notice requirements and waiting periods increase administrative costs and delay collection of legitimate debts
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether all health care entities (hospitals, clinics, individual practitioners) would be covered equally, or if exemptions apply to certain provider types
  • Enforcement mechanism: The bill doesn't specify who enforces compliance or what penalties exist for violations, making effectiveness uncertain

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

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