HB 4040
Modifies the requirements for screening a hospital patient for presumptive eligibility for financial assistance.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of House Interim Committee on Health Care for Representative Rob Nosse)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
64%
Oppose
36%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill makes several changes to Oregon’s healthcare system, primarily focused on financial assistance for hospital patients, home health agencies, and rehabilitation technology. It modifies the process for screening patients for financial assistance, prohibits certain requirements for home health agencies, and limits prior authorization requirements for repairs to complex rehabilitation technology. The bill also addresses issues related to Medicaid, dental insurance, and the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, while including emergency provisions for various healthcare regulations.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
House Interim Committee on Health Care
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The testimony in support of HB 4040 emphasizes the need for policy changes that benefit individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Proponents argue that provisions such as recognizing parents as caregivers under HB 4040 will save the state money and improve care outcomes for disabled children. They also advocate for assignment of benefits and prompt payment reforms to address issues with delayed payments and confusion over insurance coverage. Additionally, supporters highlight the importance of complex rehabilitation products, allowing individuals with multiple sclerosis to maintain mobility and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Many testifiers share personal stories of navigating Medicaid failures and struggling to find reliable caregivers, emphasizing the need for flexible and realistic supports for families. Overall, the testimony suggests that HB 4040 will improve access to financial assistance, enhance care delivery, and promote cost savings, ultimately benefiting individuals with disabilities and their loved ones.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concern that proposed changes would undermine existing safeguards for vulnerable populations, including children with significant medical needs, as outlined in the Children's Extraordinary Needs program. They argue that altering this framework could reduce protections and compromise patient well-being. Additionally, certain provisions, such as increasing hospital financial assistance thresholds, which they believe would exacerbate medical debt for patients like those with cancer, who often bear substantial healthcare costs due to their health needs. Furthermore, opponents express concerns about the bill's potential impact on agency oversight, introducing ambiguity, and advancing without clear fiscal impact, particularly in regards to Section 14 of HB 4040.
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