HOSPITALS-FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Amends the Community Benefits Act. Provides that the Act applies to all nonprofit and public hospitals licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act (rather than not applying to a hospital operated by a unit of government, a hospital located outside of a metropolitan statistical area, or a hospital with 100 or fewer beds). Requires community benefits plans to describe activities the hospital is undertaking to address health equity, reduce health disparities, and improve community health. Provides that, in order to increase transparency and accessibility of charity care and financial assistance data, the Attorney General shall post on the Attorney General's website: all community benefits plans contained in reports submitted by hospitals; and a compiled report that summarizes information from completed community benefits plans. Provides that an electronic version of the compiled report shall be sent to the Governor and each member of the General Assembly. Provides a late filing fee for nonprofit hospitals for community benefits plans of $2,500 per month that the report is late (rather than $100). Makes other changes. Amends the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. Provides that a hospital, other than a rural hospital or a Critical Access Hospital, shall provide a discount from its charges to specified uninsured patients for all medically necessary health care services exceeding $150 (rather than $300) in any one inpatient admission or outpatient encounter. Provides for civil monetary penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 (rather than $500) for a violation. Requires the Attorney General to publish an annual report that outlines complaints received related to hospital uninsured discount programs and financial assistance applications. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.