Limiting emergency care hospital rates for uninsured patients.
Impact
The enactment of AB787 would directly impact state laws governing hospital billing practices, particularly regarding emergency medical services. By establishing a maximum charge for uninsured individuals based on Medicare rates, the bill aims to ensure that uninsured patients are not subject to prohibitively high medical bills during emergencies. This change is particularly significant for individuals and families who may forgo necessary medical treatment due to high costs, potentially leading to negative health outcomes.
Summary
Assembly Bill 787 aims to alleviate the financial burden placed on uninsured patients by limiting the rates that hospitals can charge for emergency services. Specifically, the bill stipulates that hospitals cannot charge these patients a rate exceeding 115% of the allowable charges under the Medicare program, provided that the patient's family income is less than 200% of the federal poverty line. This legislation intends to reduce healthcare costs for low-income families and improve access to necessary medical care in emergencies.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding AB787 may arise from healthcare providers and hospitals concerned about the implications of capped emergency service rates on their operational finances. Some stakeholders may argue that limiting charges could deter hospitals from providing quality care or affect their financial stability, especially in high-demand areas. Furthermore, questions about the definition of 'uninsured' and the thresholds for family income could lead to debates on how effectively the bill will meet its goals without disadvantaging hospitals.
Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.
Requirements for hospitals to screen patients for eligibility for health coverage or assistance established, affidavit of expert review required before debt collection activities, and hospital charges limited for uninsured treatments and services for patients.