Bill
HB 6604
Creates a state program to reimburse nonprofit hospitals for unreimbursed care to undocumented immigrants, easing hospital financial burden and protecting patient access to care.
HB 6604 — Summary
Overview
- Title: An Act Concerning State Reimbursement of Nonprofit Hospitals for the Treatment of Undocumented Immigrants
- Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Public Health
- Introduced: January 24, 2025
- Subject: Aliens, Hospitals, Nonprofit Organizations, State Funds
Purpose and intent
- The bill seeks to create a state program to reimburse nonprofit hospitals for certain unreimbursed costs incurred in treating undocumented immigrants.
- The goal is to reduce the financial burden of uncompensated care on hospitals and to ensure access to necessary care for undocumented residents.
Key provisions (based on the bill’s title and common policy structures)
- Establishment of a reimbursement program: Likely placed under a state health or social services agency, with rules to administer reimbursements to nonprofit hospitals.
- Eligible providers: Nonprofit hospitals operating within the state that provide treatment to undocumented immigrants.
- Covered costs: Reimbursable costs would typically include eligible medical services provided to undocumented patients that would otherwise be uncompensated. This may cover emergency department visits, inpatient care, and other medically necessary services, subject to defined exclusions.
- Reimbursement methodology: The bill would specify how costs are calculated and paid (per-encounter, per-patient, or aggregate cost basis), along with claim submission requirements, documentation standards, and timelines.
- Funding sources: Likely to involve state funds (general fund) and could contemplate federal match opportunities or earmarked appropriations. The specifics would be set in the bill or subsequent fiscal notes.
- Administration and oversight: Provisions for program oversight, annual reporting, and possible audits to ensure compliance and proper use of funds.
- Eligibility criteria and patient protections: Definitions of eligible patients, any eligibility windows, privacy protections, and alignment with other state laws.
- Timing and implementation: The bill would specify effective dates and any phased implementation, along with sunset or renewal provisions if applicable.
Who would be affected
- Primary: Nonprofit hospitals Seeking reimbursements for treatments provided to undocumented immigrants.
- Indirect: Undocumented immigrant patients benefiting from improved access to care; state health and finance agencies administering the program; potential impact on hospital finances and uncompensated care statistics.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Current status indicates referral to the Joint Committee on Public Health, with introduction on January 24, 2025.
- Next steps would involve committee deliberation, potential amendments, and a full chamber vote if advanced.
Notes
- The exact scope, eligibility definitions, reimbursement formulas, and funding levels will be defined in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes. Review of the full bill will be needed to confirm precise provisions and potential impacts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
