HB560 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Todd Greeson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Health care costs, health care providers to provide estimate upon request, Medical Cost Disclosure Act

Summary

HB560 would require health care providers to give written, itemized cost estimates for non-emergency services upon request and to explain any charges that exceed the estimate.

What This Bill Does

Before non-emergency health care services are performed, providers must give a written, itemized cost estimate when requested by a patient, prospective patient, their physician, or an authorized agent. If the final bill exceeds the estimate, the provider must separately identify and explain the increased charges. The act defines who counts as a health care provider and what counts as health care services, focusing on non-emergency care. The Department of Public Health may issue rules to implement these provisions, and the act takes effect three months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Patients and prospective patients (and their physicians or authorized agents): can request and receive a written cost estimate for non-emergency services; will see explanations if costs exceed the estimate.
• Health care providers (doctors, hospitals, clinics, dentists, etc.): must provide written estimates upon request and itemize and explain any amounts that exceed the estimate.

Key Provisions

• Requires health care providers to provide a written, itemized estimate of the total cost for non-emergency health care services upon request before the services are performed.
• If the bill exceeds the estimate, the provider must separately identify and explain the increased charge.
• Defines health care provider and health care services, focusing on non-emergency care including medical/dental services and hospitalization.
• Authorizes the Department of Public Health to promulgate rules to carry out these provisions.
• Establishes the act as the Medical Cost Disclosure Act and sets an effective date three months after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Care