MI SB0449

Requires all Michigan hospitals to develop and implement financial assistance programs for patients by January 1, 2027, with eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines.

Mandates inclusion of patients whose unpaid hospital bills exceed 30% of their annual income within a 12-month period, and provides up to 100% discounts on a sliding scale for uninsured patients earning at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines.

Hospitals must conspicuously publish financial assistance information on all bills, pre-collection notices, and websites in easily understood language, available in English, Spanish, and other languages as determined by the department.

Establishes annual reporting requirements starting October 1, 2027, with hospitals submitting data on applications received, benefits provided, and forgiven debt to the Department of Health and Human Services for public posting.

Creates civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines deposited into a new Medical Debt Relief Fund to be used for programs relieving medical debt statewide.