The proposed bill, known as the "Hospital Financial Assistance Act," mandates that hospitals develop and implement financial assistance programs for patients by January 1, 2027. These programs must be based on objective metrics tied to federal poverty guidelines and include provisions for uninsured patients whose income is at or below 350% of these guidelines. Hospitals are required to publish information about their financial assistance programs in a clear and accessible manner, including on bills, invoices, and their websites. Additionally, hospitals must submit annual reports detailing the number of applications received, benefits provided, and uncollected debts.

The bill also establishes a medical debt relief fund, which will be financed through civil fines imposed on hospitals that violate the act. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating rules to facilitate the implementation of the act and ensuring compliance. Violations of the act can result in civil fines of up to $10,000, which will be directed to the medical debt relief fund to support programs aimed at alleviating medical debt in the state.