Bill > LD1937

This bill requires hospitals in Maine to establish comprehensive financial assistance programs, with a strong focus on providing charity care to eligible state residents. Under the new law, hospitals must offer free medical services to patients whose family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and they must create clear, accessible application processes for these programs. Hospitals will be required to widely publicize their financial assistance programs, provide multilingual application materials, offer online application options by 2028, and include information about financial assistance on billing statements. The bill mandates that hospitals cannot require notarization of application documents, must provide interpretation services, and must determine eligibility within 45 days of receiving a completed application. Additionally, hospitals must offer reasonable payment plans for patients with family incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level, ensuring monthly payments do not exceed 4% of the patient's monthly income. The Department of Health and Human Services will oversee enforcement, with the ability to investigate complaints, require corrective actions, and potentially levy fines up to $1,000 for hospitals that knowingly violate the requirements. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for low and moderate-income residents of Maine.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1937&snum=132