Patients need relevant and meaningful information to understand the cost of care and their financial responsibilities. Hospitals across Illinois have committed to IHA’s price transparency principles.
IHA developed these principles with input from our CFO Forum to help focus and shape discussion as the healthcare industry moves toward greater transparency. 191 IHA member hospitals, or 92 percent, have pledged to adopt these principles.
The 21st Century Cures Act raises questions about price transparency. IHA comments on the proposed rule and describes the price transparency principles that Illinois hospitals have already adopted.
CMS issued a final rule that requires hospitals to post their standard charges in a machine readable format on the Internet and update it at least annually, effective January 1, 2019.
IHA shares talking points, tips and a sample disclaimer for the requirement that all hospitals post standard charges in a machine readable format on the internet and update it at least annually.
This IHA handout (password required) assists with patients' frequently asked questions on price transparency.
The ACA requires hospitals to make public the hospital's standard charges for items and services they provide. IHA shares facts to consider for compliance.
IHA commented on CMS' proposed changes to the new requirement that all hospitals must post their standard charges in a machine readable format on the internet, effective January 1, 2019.
This IHA handout (password required) assists hospitals in navigating patient requests to view standard charges.
The Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act requires hospitals to provide free and discounted care to eligible uninsured patients.
Per The Fair Patient Billing Act, hospitals must notify patients about the availability of financial assistance and comply with specific requirements regarding billing and collections.
Nonprofit hospitals cannot charge patients eligible for financial assistance more than the amounts generally billed to patients with health insurance. Learn about the specific requirements.
Insurance Plan Estimators
Average Charges for Illinois Hospitals
Checklist for Price Inquiries
Healthcare Financial Management Association Resources