Hospital pricing.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to simplify and standardize hospital pricing by requiring hospitals to proactively screen patients for financial hardship. Starting in 2027, hospitals must check if patients are enrolled in programs like CalFresh or CalWORKs, or are uninsured, and presumptively determine eligibility for charity care or discounted payments. The bill prohibits requiring patients to apply for Medicare or Medi-Cal before screening and gives patients the option to opt out of the process, ensuring billing statements reflect any adjustments made to charges.
Key provisions
- Hospitals must screen patients for eligibility for charity care or discounted payments based on enrollment in certain programs (CalFresh, CalWORKs, etc.) or being uninsured.
- Hospitals can presumptively determine eligibility for charity care or discounted payments if a patient meets specific criteria.
- Hospitals cannot require patients to apply for Medicare, Medi-Cal, or other coverage before being screened.
- Patients have the right to opt out of the screening process.
- Billing statements must reflect adjustments made to charges due to charity care or discount payment policies.
- Hospitals can use third-party tools or services for screening, with specific safeguards.
- Hospitals can utilize existing patient information for screening purposes.
- Written notices must be provided to patients regarding their eligibility status.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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