The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 5621, aims to amend title 19a of the general statutes to mandate that each hospital establish and implement a financial assistance program. This program is intended to provide financial support to patients who are enrolled in either the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, without regard to their immigration status. Additionally, hospitals will be required to submit data related to their financial assistance programs to the Department of Public Health.

The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to necessary healthcare services by formalizing the requirement for hospitals to assist eligible patients financially. By collecting and reporting data on these programs, the Department of Public Health will be able to monitor the effectiveness and reach of the financial assistance initiatives implemented by hospitals.