The bill amends Chapter 23-17 of the General Laws to require hospitals to screen uninsured patients for eligibility for public health insurance programs and hospital financial assistance. This screening is to be conducted with the patient's consent and as soon as reasonably possible. Hospitals must document the patient's decision regarding the screening, and if a patient is potentially eligible for public health insurance, the hospital must provide information on how to apply and refer them to healthcare navigators. If the patient's application is approved, the hospital is to bill the insuring entity and not pursue the patient for any part of the bill, except for copayments. In case of denial, the hospital must offer another financial assistance screening. The bill also mandates that hospitals offer financial assistance screening to insured patients under certain conditions and post notices about the availability of financial assistance. The executive office of health and human services is responsible for ensuring compliance with this section, and the attorney general has the authority to investigate and take legal action against non-compliant hospitals.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to develop a pilot plan for an Acute Hospital Care at Home Program, which allows hospitals to provide acute care services at home. This program is based on the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. Hospitals that have received waivers or approval to participate in the federal program will be integrated into the state pilot program. The Medicaid program is required to cover these at-home acute care services at rates that ensure the pilot program is budget-neutral. The pilot program is limited to individuals participating at the time of its expiration and will continue for up to 90 days for those eligible for Medicaid. The Secretary is tasked with applying for necessary amendments or waivers, adopting rules and regulations, and may waive state rules to implement the program. The pilot program will end upon the expiration of the federal program, and a report on the pilot program's costs will be provided to the Governor and General Assembly. The effective dates for the different sections of the act are January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2024, respectively.