Reduction of billed charges for certain patients and services; notice; resolution of disputes

1. A major hospital shall reduce or discount the total billed charge by at least 30 percent for hospital services provided to an inpatient who: (a) Has no policy of health insurance or other contractual agreement with a third party that provides health coverage for the charge; (b) Is not eligible for coverage by a state or federal program of public assistance that would provide for the payment of the charge; and (c) Makes reasonable arrangements within 30 days after the date that notice was sent pursuant to subsection 2 to pay the hospital bill. 2. A major hospital shall include on or with the first statement of the hospital bill provided to the patient after his or her discharge a notice of the reduction or discount available pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, notice of the criteria a patient must satisfy to qualify for a reduction or discount. 3. A major hospital or patient who disputes the reasonableness of arrangements made pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1 may submit the dispute to the Bureau for Hospital Patients for resolution as provided in NRS 232.462. 4. A major hospital shall reduce or discount the total billed charge of its outpatient pharmacy by at least 30 percent to a patient who is eligible for Medicare. 5. As used in this section, “third party” means: (a) An insurer, as that term is defined in NRS 679B.540; (b) A health benefit plan, as that term is defined in NRS 687B.470, for employees which provides coverage for services and care at a hospital; (c) A participating public agency, as that term is defined in NRS 287.04052, and any other local governmental agency of the State of Nevada which provides a system of health insurance for the benefit of its officers and employees, and the dependents of officers and employees, pursuant to chapter 287 of NRS; (d) The Public Option established pursuant to NRS 695K.200; or (e) Any other insurer or organization providing health coverage or benefits in accordance with state or federal law. Ê The term does not include an insurer that provides coverage under a policy of casualty or property insurance.