SPRINGFIELD – To address the pervasive issue of medical debt and support underinsured and uninsured patients, a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino will streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance.
“While families navigate health issues, they should not have to endure the added stress of undergoing a confusing financial assistance application process,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “With federal cuts to Medicaid threatening the health care of millions, financial concerns will only worsen, forcing more people to forgo care and leading to more expensive medical costs down the road.”
House Bill 5390 tasks the Attorney General with creating a standard form for hospitals to include in applications for financial assistance. The law also establishes a one-year approval period to address current administrative burdens.
Previously, hospitals were allowed to create their own application process for financial assistance. The new law standardizes the process to improve accessibility and prevent delays in care.
"By having a uniform application for financial assistance, we can ensure administrative barriers do not prevent patients from accessing aid they would otherwise be eligible for,” said Aquino. “Health care is a human right that should not depend on a person’s ability to pay.”
House Bill 5390 was signed into law on Friday and is effective immediately.
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