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 upon the patient's agreement and as early as possible. Hospitals must document the patient's decision regarding the screening and provide information and assistance for applying to public health insurance if the patient is potentially eligible. If the patient's application is approved, the hospital is to bill the insuring entity and not the patient, except for copayments. In case of denial, the hospital must offer another financial assistance screening. The bill also mandates hospitals to offer financial assistance screening to insured patients under certain conditions and to post notices about the availability of financial assistance. The executive office of health and human services is responsible for compliance, and the attorney general has the authority to investigate and act 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 a patient's residence. This program is based on the CMS's Acute Hospital Care at Home Program and aims to provide care associated with lower costs and better patient outcomes. Hospitals with prior CMS waivers will be integrated into the pilot program, which Medicaid must cover at budget-neutral rates. The Secretary is responsible for securing federal financial participation and may waive state rules to implement the resolution. The pilot program will end with the federal program, and a cost report will be provided to the Governor and the General Assembly. The bill's provisions for screening uninsured patients will take effect on January 1, 2025, and the pilot program on July 1, 2024. The summary does not indicate specific insertions or deletions from current law.