GA SB626

Department of Community Health must publish a uniform financial assistance policy, screening tool, and application form on its website by January 1, 2027, which all Georgia hospitals must implement

Hospitals must screen patients for financial assistance eligibility and provide application forms before sending any bills, with automatic enrollment and discount application for qualifying patients

Hospital financing products and payment plans for medical debt are capped at 1% interest, with no fees, late charges, or maintenance charges exceeding that rate

Hospitals cannot pursue debt collection unless they have completed financial assistance screening, exhausted all coverage options, and the patient is not actively appealing, applying for assistance, or participating in a payment plan

If a hospital makes an incorrect eligibility determination, it must credit the patient's account for qualified charity care, reimburse reasonable costs including legal fees, and notify any debt collectors that the debt is invalid