Consumer-protection laws specific to Washington medical bills. Federal laws (No Surprises Act, FDCPA) also apply on top of these.
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.
Read the statuteRCW 48.49 (Balance Billing Protection Act)
Washington prohibits balance billing for emergency services and out-of-network services at in-network facilities. Patients pay only the in-network cost-share. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner administers arbitration between provider and insurer.
Read the statute26 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).
Read the statuteWash. Rev. Code § 70.170.060 (Charity Care Act)
Washington hospitals must provide charity care to patients earning up to 300% of federal poverty level (large/non-rural hospitals) or 200% FPL (rural/CAH hospitals). Hospitals must screen all uninsured patients before sending bills to collections.
Read the statute15 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.
Read the statuteWash. Rev. Code § 70.41.480
Washington hospitals must provide an itemized statement of all charges upon request, identifying each service rendered and the charge for it.
Read the statuteWhen you dispute a bill with Bursify, we draft the letter citing every statute on this page that applies to your situation, then send it via HIPAA-compliant fax or certified mail and track every response. Most other tools stop at the PDF.