KPRC 2 News by Amy Davis 10/7/2021
KPRC 2 investigates has exposed doctors and businesses that are billing shocking amounts for COVID-19 tests that are supposed to be free.
State lawmakers noticed and they passed a new law that makes price gouging for tests and vaccines during the pandemic illegal.
The new law and enforcement of it is complaint driven. That is why you should file a complaint any time you see freestanding ERs price gouging for COVID tests or vaccines.
What the new law says
Senate Bill 2038 is now part of the Texas Health & Safety Code.
The statute does these three things:
• Makes it illegal for freestanding ERs to charge an individual or third-party (like your insurance company) a facility fee or an observation fee for a drive thru service
• Requires the businesses disclose the prices they charge for COVID tests, vaccines and any other associated fees
• Prohibits freestanding ERs from charging more than 200% for the same or similar service offered by healthcare facilities in the same or nearest county during a declared state of disaster
(like the COVID-19 pandemic)
Texas AARP lobbied in favor of the bill after hearing so many complaints of egregious charges from freestanding ERs for simple COVID tests.
More:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/10/07/kprc-2-investigates-new-texas-law-makes-price-gouging-for-covid-19-testing-illegal/A Texas man took COVID-19 tests at an emergency room. Then, he got a bill for $54,000.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/09/30/texas-man-charged-54000-covid-test-hospital/5927347001/
