This bill aims to protect access to health care services for Washington state residents by limiting eligibility for charity care to individuals who meet specific residency requirements. The legislation highlights the significant charity care provided by hospitals in Washington, which amounted to $483 million in 2022. It addresses a recent policy change by the Department of Health that removed geographic restrictions on charity care eligibility, potentially allowing non-residents to access free medical services. The bill expresses concerns that this shift could lead to increased demand for hospital services, strain existing resources, and ultimately raise costs for Washington residents who would subsidize care for out-of-state patients.

The bill introduces a new section to the existing charity care law, defining residency criteria for eligibility. It specifies that only Washington state residents, including certain minors and individuals without fixed addresses, can qualify for charity care. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals seeking health care in Washington from other states or countries do not qualify as residents. The bill also amends the definition of "indigent persons" to include residency requirements, ensuring that charity care is primarily directed towards low-income residents of Washington. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety, taking effect immediately upon passage.