An Oregon bill bolstering patients' protections from medical debt has passed the state House.
The state Legislature passed a bill in 2019 that required Oregon's nonprofit hospitals to provide financial assistance to those who could not afford to pay their medical bills, according to an April 21 news release from the Oregon House Majority Office. Only one hospital has provided "full, fair, and consistent charity care" since the bill was passed.
The bill moving through the Legislature looks to clarify those requirements should be met through a more transparent process, according to the release.
The proposed legislation would:
- Require nonprofit hospitals to screen patients who have bills of $500 or more to see if they are eligible for financial assistance.
- Apply financial assistance before eligible patients receive a bill.
- Give full refunds to eligible patients who have already paid.
- Require that financial assistance applications and appeals processes are easily accessible online.
The bill is heading to the state Senate for further consideration.