CA AB2297

Authorizes emergency physicians to extend discount payment eligibility to patients with incomes over 400% of federal poverty level (previously 350%), and clarifies that out-of-pocket costs include expenses like Medicare copays and Medi-Cal cost sharing.

Prohibits hospitals from considering monetary assets when determining eligibility for charity care or discount payment policies, but allows consideration of health savings accounts; eliminates time limits for applications and prohibits denying eligibility based on application timing.

Expands restrictions on debt collection by prohibiting hospitals and collection agencies from using liens or conducting sales on any real property (not just primary residences) as means of collecting unpaid bills from eligible patients.

Allows hospitals to forego reimbursement to patients who qualified for financial assistance if 5+ years have passed since last payment or if debt was sold to a debt buyer before January 1, 2022.

Grants the Department of Health Care Access and Information enforcement authority to assess penalties for violations occurring on or after January 1, 2022 that arise from investigations of hospital actions occurring on or after January 1, 2024.