House approves uniform hospital financial-assistance standards to expand access

The House passed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 13 on June 23, adopting a statewide framework that standardizes hospitals' financial-assistance policies.

Sponsor Representative Chukwuocha told members the substitute ensures Delaware residents receiving medically necessary hospital services will receive free care if household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, with scaled discounts up to 75% and 50% for higher income brackets. The bill requires a single statewide application, uniform verification documents, a presumptive-eligibility pathway for people enrolled in programs such as Medicaid or SNAP, and a 21-day window for hospitals to make eligibility determinations.

The substitute also requires hospitals to screen uninsured or self-pay patients for financial assistance and stops debt-collection activity while an application or appeal is pending.

Representative Jones Giltner and other downstate members raised concerns about impacts on smaller, low-cost hospitals; sponsors said the bill creates uniform rules but that reporting and enforcement will help monitor outcomes. The House voted to approve the substitute by roll call.