Denver, CO – A new poll from Strategies360 commissioned by Centennial State Prosperity shows that an astounding number of Coloradans support banning “facility fees,” which are hidden costs imposed by hospitals that often result in an extra out-of-pocket expense for the patient that is often on top of what they pay for insurance. The poll was conducted between February 3rd-7th and surveyed 500 registered voters online and via text with a +/-4.4% margin of error. Yesterday, Colorado lawmakers introduced HB23-1215 to limit hospital facility fees.
According to the poll:
- 81% support a ban on hidden facility fees outside the hospital campus.
- 76% would be more likely to support their state legislator if they voted for a bill that banned hospital facility fees for services performed outside a hospital.
- 61% of Coloradans wouldn’t be able to pay or would struggle if incurred with an unexpected medical expense of $500.
“Coloradans should be able to afford the health care they need, but hospitals are prioritizing profits over patients and imposing extra hidden costs to benefit their bottom line,” said Austin Blumenfeld, Executive Director of Centennial State Prosperity. “Banning these so-called ‘facility fees’ is incredibly popular and lawmakers should put patients first by stopping these unchecked junk fees.”
Hidden hospital costs have become a major financial burden for Coloradans, who are often caught off guard when they open a medical bill and find a much higher amount than expected since these hidden medical fees often aren’t covered by insurance and are paid by patients out of pocket. As hospitals buy up more freestanding clinics and health care providers, the cost of these fees will continue to rise if legislators don’t take action. There is currently no easy way for patients to know when and if they are going to be charged these unexpected medical fees, leaving many struggling to afford their medical care when they receive a bill.
While working families struggle to afford health care, a recent report from Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy and Finance found that overall hospitals are experiencing growing profits and margins. Specifically, from 2018 through 2020, Colorado hospitals were ranked in the Top 10 nationally for costs, prices and profits.