Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Sept. 12 that Boston-based Partners HealthCare and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary have agreed to pay $175,000 to settle allegations they violated Massachusetts' consumer protection law by failing to provide certain billing information to patients.
The attorney general's office launched an investigation into the two healthcare organizations after receiving several complaints from patients that Partners and Massachusetts Eye and Ear failed to disclose policies that led to unexpected charges.
Under the settlement agreement, Partners will pay $150,000 to the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear will pay $25,000. In addition, both organizations have agreed to provide patients with important billing information that will help ensure patients are aware of any potential charges.
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