IL SB2080

Requires hospitals to screen all uninsured patients for eligibility in public health insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid, All Kids) and available financial assistance before issuing bills, using culturally competent practices in the patient's primary language.

Prohibits hospitals from selling uninsured patient medical debt and prevents hospitals from offering payment plans without first exhausting available discounts under the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act or entering payment plans for bills eligible for 100% discount.

Establishes that patients who decline to apply for public health insurance due to immigration-related concerns cannot be denied financial assistance, and hospitals must not condition discount availability on public program applications in such cases.

Creates strict liability for hospitals that fail to comply, with penalties of $4,000 or actual damages (whichever is greater), attorney's fees, and costs; makes hospital non-compliance a complete defense against debt collection and grounds for judgment relief.

Requires hospitals to develop operational plans with mandatory annual staff training on screening requirements, culturally competent patient interaction, and implicit bias; extends the application deadline for financial assistance to 90 days after discharge or service date.