Connecticut Medical Bill Rights

42 U.S.C. § 300gg-111 (No Surprises Act)

Federal law (effective January 1, 2022) prohibits surprise out-of-network bills for emergency services, air ambulance services, and most non-emergency services at in-network facilities. Patients owe no more than the in-network cost-share. Providers and insurers must resolve payment disputes through Independent Dispute Resolution, not by billing the patient.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-477aa

Connecticut prohibits surprise out-of-network bills for emergency services and most facility-based services delivered at in-network hospitals. Patients pay only their in-network cost-share.

26 U.S.C. § 501(r) (Nonprofit Hospital Financial Assistance Requirement)

Federal law requires every nonprofit (501(c)(3)) hospital to maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy, publicize it widely, and screen all uninsured/underinsured patients for eligibility before sending unpaid bills to collections. Patients eligible for assistance cannot be charged more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients. Applies to roughly 3,000 nonprofit hospitals (about 58% of all US hospitals, 80% of beds).

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-509b(b) (Hospital Free Bed Fund)

Connecticut hospitals must provide free or discounted care to patients earning up to 250% of federal poverty level, funded in part by the Hospital Free Bed Fund.

15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)

Federal law restricts how third-party debt collectors may contact consumers about medical or other debts. Consumers may demand written validation of any debt within 30 days of first contact; collectors must cease communication if requested in writing; harassment, deception, and unfair practices are prohibited.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-509b

Connecticut hospitals must provide each patient a written itemized billing statement on request, identifying each charge.