H.R. 8684 · On the floor · Health

Transparency in Billing Act of 2026

What it does

Amends ERISA to require group health plans and health insurance issuers to deny claims from hospitals for off-campus outpatient services unless the claim includes a separate unique health identifier for the facility where services were furnished, effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.
Prohibits hospitals from submitting claims or holding individuals liable for items and services provided at off-campus outpatient departments unless the hospital obtains a separate unique health identifier for that department and includes it in claims to group health plans or health insurance issuers.
Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a process for reporting suspected violations of honest billing requirements within one year of enactment.
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to assess civil monetary penalties against hospitals for violations of billing requirements: up to $300 per day for hospitals with 30 or fewer beds, and up to $5,500 per day for hospitals with more than 30 beds.

Jul 13, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 652.

Committee: House Education and Workforce