House Bill 3320: New Charity Care Rules & Debt Collection

House Bill 3320 Timeline & Impacts

Changes that were made by House Bill 3320 to nonprofits hospitals and debt collection agencies.

• House Bill 3320 was passed by Oregon House April 18^th, 2023
• House Bill 3320 was passed by Oregon Senate on June 22, 2023
• Signed into Law July 13, 2023, and became effective January 1^st, 2024
• House Bill 3320 applies to the healthcare industry for mainly nonprofit hospitals.
• We will go over how this bill will impact nonprofit hospitals and debt collection practices.
• Atlas Financial Services would collaborate with nonprofit hospitals to refund patients that become eligible for financial aid. 

House Bill 3320: Stricter Care Policies

House Bill 3320, introduced by Representative Lisa Reynolds of Washington County, aims to enforce stricter care policies for nonprofit hospitals in Oregon. The bill ensures that low-income patients receive the necessary financial assistance to cover their medical expenses.

It will require hospitals to screen patients with medical expenses of $500 or more for eligibility, provide refunds to eligible patients who have already paid, and implement an online system for applying for and appealing financial assistance decisions.   

Pro: This Bill will help low-income patients get the financial assistance they need. Con: This will increase operational costs for Nonprofit Hospitals.  

Coordinating Financial Assistance: New Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals and Debt Collection Agencies

Going forward, any nonprofit hospital using debt collection agencies must notify them to suspend collection activities when a patient becomes eligible for financial assistance. Nonprofit hospitals and debt collection agencies should work together to manage patients who are placed for collections and later become eligible for financial assistance.

Patients have a 12-month period to apply for financial assistance. This ensures that even if a patient initially pays their medical bills, they can still be reimbursed if they are found eligible for charity care within that timeframe.

Implementing House Bill 3320: Steps for Nonprofit Hospitals

Nonprofit hospitals should thoroughly review House Bill 3320 and consult with legal experts to comprehend the new requirements. Update financial assistance policies to comply with the bill’s mandates. Implement procedures to screen patients with medical expenses of $500 or more for financial assistance eligibility. Develop a secure online portal for financial assistance applications and appeals. Train staff on the new requirements and procedures.

                Inform patients about the financial assistance process using various communication channels. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with the bill’s requirements. Instruct collection agencies, such as Atlas Financial Services, to halt activities for patients qualifying for financial assistance. Establish procedures for reviewing and refunding payments to those eligible. Continuously track regulatory updates and revise policies as necessary.

Ensuring Financial Assistance Compliance for Oregon Nonprofit Hospitals

House Bill 3320 is a crucial measure to ensure low-income patients in Oregon receive the financial assistance they need for medical expenses. Nonprofit hospitals must update their financial assistance policies, screen patients for eligibility, and establish secure online portals for applications and appeals.

By complying with these requirements, hospitals can improve transparency and patient support. Additionally, hospitals should consider collaborating with reputable collection agencies like Atlas Financial Services to manage accounts that do not qualify for financial assistance.

Atlas Financial Services provides ethical debt collection services, ensuring compliance with regulations while treating patients with respect. This partnership can help hospitals efficiently handle accounts receivable, allowing them to focus on delivering quality care.