Transparency in Billing Act of 2026

The Transparency in Billing Act of 2026 requires hospitals to include a unique identifier for off-campus outpatient departments on health insurance claims. This rule applies to group health plans and health insurance issuers, ensuring that billing for services provided at locations outside a hospital's main campus clearly distinguishes the specific department involved. Effective January 1, 2027, hospitals must obtain and submit this separate identifier to avoid holding patients liable for these services, with a new reporting process established for suspected violations. The law also authorizes the Secretary of Labor to impose daily civil monetary penalties on hospitals that fail to comply with these billing requirements.