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Bill > H2222


MA H2222

Preventing unnecessary medical debt


summary

Introduced
01/23/2017
In Committee
01/23/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

190th General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to preventing unnecessary medical debt through hospital and affiliate charity care policies. Health Care Financing.

AI Summary

This bill aims to prevent unnecessary medical debt by requiring hospitals to establish financial assistance policies that provide discounts for uninsured and underinsured patients with household incomes at or below 600% of the federal poverty level. The bill also mandates that hospitals assist patients in applying for public health coverage programs, disclose their collection policies, and offer interest-free payment plans. Additionally, the bill prohibits hospitals from reporting adverse credit information or pursuing legal action against low-income patients who are making a good-faith effort to settle their bills. The bill also creates a special commission to investigate and propose policies to eliminate gaps in coverage for individuals transitioning between publicly subsidized health programs.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4528 (on 05/24/2018)

bill text


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bill summary

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