December 17, 2021

Washington AG’s Wish List: Expanded Access to Free Health Care for Indigent Persons

Lori Kalani, Bernard Nash

Cozen O'Connor

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Cozen O'Connor

Washington AG Bob Ferguson proposed an Attorney General Request bill designed to increase access to free or affordable health care to indigent and low-income Washington residents.
The bill, House Bill 1616, seeks to amend Washington’s charity care law—which requires hospitals to provide free care to indigent persons—to expand eligibility for full write-offs of out-of-pocket hospital costs from 100% to 300% of the federal poverty level. In addition, those with incomes between 300% and 400% of the federal poverty level will be eligible for reduced-cost health care at hospitals and affiliated clinics.
The bill also expands the definition of “charity care” to encompass care provided in clinics affiliated with hospitals in addition to care provided in hospitals.

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