MA S842

Requires hospitals to provide free care to patients with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or those experiencing "medical hardship" (out-of-pocket costs exceeding 10% of income for those up to 600% FPL)

Establishes sliding-scale discounts: 75% discount for incomes 201-300% FPL, 50% discount for 301-350% FPL, and 25% discount for 351-400% FPL

Prohibits hospitals from considering immigration status, total cost of services, or restrictive contract language when determining financial assistance eligibility

Mandates hospitals post financial assistance notices in admission areas, emergency departments, and billing offices in languages spoken by at least 1,000 individuals or 5% of the community served

Requires annual hospital reporting to the Center for Health Information and Analysis on financial assistance applications, approvals, denials, charity care, bad debt, and debt sold to collectors, with the Health Policy Commission issuing public annual reports