As part of an ongoing state investigation into the effect of healthcare consolidation, Connecticut Comptroller Kevin Lembo said he will hold a public hearing next week to gather input on “facility fees” charged by doctors’ offices affiliated with or owned by hospital systems.
Following a push by Attorney General George Jepsen the state legislature passed a law in the spring requiring better disclosure of the fees, which can range from $100 to more than $1,000.
The Connecticut Hospital Association said at the time that it supported better disclosure of the fees.
Lembo said that state law requires him to evaluate the impact of provider consolidation on the state’s employee health plan, including the impact of facility fees. He said he will analyze how the fees are determined, what overhead costs they cover, and whether they are appropriate or reasonable.
The Dec. 3 hearing will start at 2:30 p.m. in the Legislative Office Building, Room 2D. Lembo has invited Anthem, UnitedHealth Group, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hartford Healthcare and ProHealth Physicians to speak. He said comments from the public will also be welcome.
