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, allowing for discounts based on a sliding scale for those with incomes at or below 350% of the federal poverty 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, and must provide this information in multiple languages as appropriate.

Additionally, the bill establishes a reporting requirement for hospitals to submit annual reports detailing the number of applications received, benefits provided, and uncollected debts. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating a uniform process for hospitals to collect income information from patients to determine eligibility for assistance. Violations of the act may result in civil fines of up to $10,000, which will be deposited into a newly created medical debt relief fund to support programs aimed at alleviating medical debt in the state. The department is also authorized to promulgate rules to implement the act effectively.