Maryland Bill Would Restrict Hospitals’ Debt Collection Practices for Charity Care
Maryland state Sen. George Della (D) on Monday introduced legislation that would set minimum statewide standards on hospitals providing no-cost or reduced-cost care to patients, the Baltimore Sun reports. The bill comes after a Sun report about the debt collection practices of hospitals in the state. The measure would require hospitals to provide no-cost care to patients with annual incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level. The bill also would prohibit hospitals from placing liens on patients' homes, as well as require hospitals to submit details to state regulators on how they monitor contracts with collection agencies and lawyers, and data on financial assistance availability.
Della said, "It addresses some of the abuses that have taken place in the past that we hope will not reoccur in the future." Carmela Coyle, president of the Maryland Hospital Association, in a statement said she has not reviewed Della's bill, but MHA is cooperating with state regulators and legislators to "make sure that patients' problems are addressed and that Maryland's system for the uninsured and underinsured remains strong" (Drew, Baltimore Sun, 2/10).
