Tidalhealth Peninsula Regional, Inc — Financial Assistance & Charity Care

(a)(2) "Financial hardship" means medical debt, incurred by a family over a 12-month period, that exceeds 25% of family income. ... (b)(2) The financial assistance policy shall provide, at a minimum: (i) Free medically necessary care to patients with family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level ... within 240 days after the initial hospital bill is provided; (ii) Reduced-cost medically necessary care to low-income patients with family income above 200% of the federal poverty level ... (4) Subject to income thresholds set under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the financial assistance policy required under this subsection shall provide reduced-cost medically necessary care to patients with family income below 500% of the federal poverty level who have a financial hardship. (5)(i) If a patient is eligible for reduced-cost medically necessary care under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, the hospital shall, at a minimum, reduce the patient's out-of-pocket expenses for the regulated hospital service: 1. For a patient with family income of at least 201% but not more than 250% of the federal poverty level, by 75%; and 2. For a patient with family income of more than 250% but not more than 300% of the federal poverty level, by 60%. ... (10)(ii) The notice ... shall state that the patient has up to 240 days after the day the patient receives the initial hospital bill to apply for financial assistance from the hospital. [Health-General §19-214.2(b):] (5) Prohibit the hospital from filing a civil action to collect a debt within 240 days after the initial bill is provided; (6) Prohibit the hospital from filing a civil action to collect a debt against a patient whose outstanding debt is at or below $500;