What are facility fees? Facility fees are extra charges added to a patient’s bill when a hospital owns a doctor’s office or clinic—even if it is not on a hospital campus. These fees can turn a simple visit into an expensive surprise, adding hundreds of dollars to what patients have to pay. Why are they […] The post AB 225 (Bonta) Ending Surprise Charges for Routine Care appeared first on Health Access.
What are facility fees?
Facility fees are extra charges added to a patient’s bill when a hospital owns a doctor’s office or clinic—even if it is not on a hospital campus. These fees can turn a simple visit into an expensive surprise, adding hundreds of dollars to what patients have to pay.
Why are they a problem?
Facility fees make it harder for people to get care and add stress for families trying to make ends meet. Today, more than 4 in 5 Californians (81%) worry about whether they can afford health care in the future. Patients should not have to pay more for the same care just because a hospital owns their clinic.
How does AB 225 (Bonta) protect patients?
Lower costs
Limits facility fees for routine care and visits at outpatient clinics, like physicals, follow-ups, or telehealth.
No more surprises
Patients won’t be left scrambling to cover unexpected facility fees.
Fair pricing
Ensures patients who receive the same care pay the same price—no hidden markups based on where they’re treated.
No one should have to skip care or risk their health just to avoid surprise fees.
What does AB 225 do?
Limits facility fees for routine outpatient, telehealth services, and off-campus physicians’ offices, And prevents health plans from reimbursing prohibited fees.
The bill preserves facility fees for true hospital-based care, such as emergency services and more complex treatments that require hospital resources.
By limiting unnecessary facility fees, this policy helps reduce overall health care spending and lowers premiums for families and employers.
The post AB 225 (Bonta) Ending Surprise Charges for Routine Care appeared first on Health Access.
