HB1420/SB875, sponsored by Del. Robbyn Lewis & Sen. Brian Feldman, expand financial assistance policies so more households can receive free and discounted care at hospitals across the state. The legislation expands eligibility for free or discounted hospital care to households between 200-500% of the federal poverty guidelines; requires that hospitals provide more expansive notice of financial assistance policies and ensures that those notices are clear, accessible, and in a patient’s preferred language; reduces duplicative processes to apply for financial assistance policies; and expands protections for patients through the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. This legislation assists the more than 25% of Maryland households who struggle financially and may now be eligible for discounted hospital care.
