Bill > SB01192

This bill establishes a new initiative to help patients navigate hospital financial assistance programs by creating an online portal through the Office of the Healthcare Advocate. The portal will provide technical assistance, screening tools, and resources to help patients and families identify and apply for financial assistance that can reduce their medical bills. Starting July 1, 2026, hospitals will be required to provide the Office of the Healthcare Advocate with detailed contact information and website links for their financial assistance programs, and must notify the office within 30 days of any changes to these programs. Additionally, the bill allows the Office of the Healthcare Advocate to publish information about the state's medical debt erasure initiative and develop recommendations to help patients avoid future medical debt. The bill defines "hospital" and "hospital financial assistance" using existing state statutes and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of making medical financial support more accessible and transparent for patients in the state.

Health and Social Services

Public Health Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01192&which_year=2025