An Act to address the financial sustainability of the Health Safety Net

This bill aims to improve the financial stability of Massachusetts' Health Safety Net, which provides healthcare coverage to uninsured and underinsured residents. It establishes a new "supplemental surcharge" equal to 50% of the fund's annual revenue shortfall, which hospitals and other payors must contribute if a deficit occurs. Additionally, the legislation creates a graduated reimbursement system to distribute half of any projected funding gaps among acute hospitals based on their specific financial needs. The bill also clarifies the sources of money for the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, including transfers from the Commonwealth Care Trust and federal financial participation. These changes are designed to ensure that hospitals and community health centers receive consistent payments for services provided to vulnerable patients.