The proposed "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 on bills, invoices, and their websites, ensuring that the information is accessible and understandable to patients.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of hospitals to report annually to the Department of Health and Human Services on the applications received for financial assistance, the benefits provided, and any uncollected debts. It establishes a medical debt relief fund to manage fines imposed on hospitals for violations of the act, which can be up to $10,000. The Department is also tasked with creating rules to facilitate the implementation of the act, ensuring compliance and oversight.