Hospitals in Maryland must now reimburse patients who were eligible for free care or face a fine of up to $50,000 per violation.
House Bill 333 establishes requirements related to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs paid by certain hospital patients who were eligible for free care, including requirements related to the consideration of data and the reporting of certain information; imposing a fine if a hospital fails to provide refunds to qualifying patients; and making a violation of the Act an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice subject to penalties under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
The legislation was approved by the governor May 3 and took effect July 1.