Committee adopts amendment to focus bill on hospital financial‑assistance transparency, reports it unanimously

The House Health Committee voted to report House Bill 79 as amended after adopting amendment A00328, which removes a proposed medical‑debt purchasing program and refocuses the legislation on transparency for existing hospital charity‑care programs.

Erica, a committee staff presenter, explained that the amendment renames the bill the Hospital Based Financial Assistance Act and requires the Department of Health to consult with hospitals and the public and, within 180 days, create standardized forms: a uniform application, a template summarizing eligibility, and uniform statements about the availability of assistance and how to apply. The amendment requires hospitals to post the forms online and include them in intake, discharge materials, and billing statements. It also requires hospitals to provide charity care eligibility information to the Department of Health and states that patients are not liable for hospital bills until a hospital has determined whether the patient is eligible for charity care.

Representative Venkat, the bill’s sponsor, said he has worked across the aisle on the issue and described the amendment as a “common sense, carefully crafted method to make sure that all of our constituents understand the costs that can be associated with health care.” Chair Rapp and other members expressed support, noting that non‑profit hospitals already face IRS requirements to publicize financial assistance policies.

After discussion, a member moved to report House Bill 79 as amended; the motion was seconded, and with no negative votes the committee reported the bill unanimously out of committee.

The bill, as amended, would not require hospitals to start or change eligibility criteria; it would require clearer, standardized disclosure and a uniform application process.