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SB 13

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 AND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOSPITAL CHARITY CARE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 6 co-sponsors

SB 13 requires Delaware hospitals to clearly define and publicly disclose charity care and financial assistance policies, including eligibility, application processes, and protecti

Passed By House. Votes: 27 YES 13 NO 1 ABSENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 13

Summary of SB 13 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

  • SB 13 proposes amendments to Title 6 and Title 16 of the Delaware Code to address hospital charity care and financial assistance. The bill aims to clarify, expand, or otherwise modify standards, eligibility, and processes related to charitable care and financial assistance programs offered by hospitals operating in Delaware.

Key provisions and changes

  • Charity care standards: The bill sets or revises criteria that hospitals must follow when determining eligibility for charity care. This may include income thresholds, asset considerations, and the documentation required to qualify for assistance.
  • Financial assistance policies: SB 13 directs hospitals to adopt or revise financial assistance policies that govern discounts, write-offs, and payment plans for patients unable to pay. Policies typically outline:
    • Eligibility criteria (e.g., income as a percentage of the federal poverty level or state-specific thresholds)
    • Scope of covered services (emergency vs. non-emergency, elective care, etc.)
    • Required application process and timelines
    • Notification and communication standards with patients about eligibility and appeal rights
  • Transparency and outreach: The bill likely requires hospitals to publicly disclose their charity care and financial assistance policies, including the availability of aid, the application process, and the estimated number of patients served. It may also mandate outreach efforts to inform uninsured or underinsured residents about available programs.
  • Protections for patients: Provisions may be included to protect patients from balance billing or excessive out-of-pocket charges once financial assistance has been approved. There could be caps on charges or rules preventing aggressive collection actions against individuals who qualify.
  • Compliance and enforcement: SB 13 may specify reporting requirements to state health or financial regulatory authorities, including annual or periodic reports on charity care expenditures, number of patients assisted, and policy changes. It could establish penalties or corrective action for hospitals that fail to comply.
  • Coordination with existing law: The amendments will align or integrate with existing Delaware statutes governing hospital billing practices, charitable care, and patient financial responsibilities, ensuring consistency across state law.

Who would be affected

  • Hospitals and health systems operating in Delaware: Agencies would need to update charity care and financial assistance policies to conform with the new standards, prepare required disclosures, and adjust billing practices.
  • Patients and residents: Individuals seeking care or facing medical bills could benefit from clearer eligibility criteria, more transparent policies, and protections against excessive charges or inappropriate collection actions.
  • State regulators and oversight bodies: Agencies responsible for health care regulation and consumer protection may gain new reporting and compliance responsibilities to monitor hospital adherence.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and assignment: SB 13 was introduced and assigned to the Health & Social Services Committee in the Senate on May 12, 2026.
  • Next steps: The bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and eventually floor votes in the Senate and House (if enacted) before being sent to the Governor for signature or veto. Specific deadlines or effective dates would be determined by committee action and eventual passage, and may include phased implementation to allow hospitals time to comply.

Notes

  • Primary sponsors: Co-sponsors include Nicole Poore, Kerri Harris, Trey Paradee, Marie Pinkney, and Bryan Townsend.
  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on hospital charity care and financial assistance as of the latest available action history. Final language could modify scope, definitions, and specific requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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