The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 496 aims to enhance hospital financial assistance programs for patients, particularly those who are uninsured or at risk of homelessness. Effective October 1, 2026, the bill defines "hospital financial assistance" and establishes criteria for hospitals to provide care at no cost or at a subsidized rate based on patients' income levels relative to the federal poverty level. Specifically, uninsured patients with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level would receive care at no cost, while those with incomes between 200% and 400% would receive subsidized care. Additionally, patients with incomes under 200% who are deemed ineligible for assistance would be billed according to a payment schedule that caps their payments at 2% of their annual income, with any remaining balance forgiven after 36 months of payments.

The bill also outlines the requirements for hospitals participating in the financial assistance program, including the prohibition of asset consideration when determining eligibility and the acceptance of various forms of income verification. Hospitals are required to provide information about the financial assistance program in multiple languages and accessible formats. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with amending the Medicaid state plan to include disproportionate share hospital payments to support hospitals that participate in this program. The bill emphasizes the importance of making healthcare accessible to vulnerable populations while ensuring that hospitals are compensated for the assistance they provide.