IL HB1900

Establishes the Community Hospital Access, Relationship, and Equity (CARE) Act, a pilot program through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to expand health care access via prepayment plans for underinsured and uninsured patients.

Requires the Director to identify three community hospitals by December 1, 2021—one each in Cook County, suburban, and rural regions—that provide pediatric services, diagnostic services, emergency room services, chronic care treatments, and obstetrics services.

Allows participating hospitals to charge eligible patients annual administrative fees between $1,200 and $6,000 (or 5% of gross income, whichever is less) in exchange for a certified patient navigator who schedules care, identifies providers, and handles referrals.

Provides contracted patients access to hospital services at Medicaid rates (or Medicaid rates plus 10-25% based on income thresholds up to $125,000 household income) and prescription fills at federal 340B pricing plus a capped pharmacy charge.

Requires interim reports to the General Assembly by June 1, 2022 and 2023, a final report by June 1, 2024, and authorizes grants up to $100,000 per year per hospital; the Act expires June 30, 2025.