An Act to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to improve hospital financial assistance programs in Massachusetts to help individuals below the federal poverty level manage medical debt. It seeks to ensure that hospitals offer more accessible and comprehensive assistance to those struggling to pay their bills. The legislation intends to streamline the process for patients to request financial assistance and increase the availability of support.
Key provisions
- Requires hospitals to provide clear information about financial assistance programs.
- Expands eligibility criteria for hospital financial assistance.
- Mandates hospitals to proactively offer financial assistance to patients.
- Establishes a process for patients to request financial assistance.
- Promotes transparency in hospital billing practices.
- Focuses assistance on patients below the federal poverty level.
Who is affected
- Individuals with medical debt
- Hospital patients
- Low-income individuals
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- The bill mandates proactive assistance offers from hospitals.
- It expands eligibility for those below the federal poverty level.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
Joanne M. Comerford
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Joanne M. Comerford
Steven Owens
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