House Health Committee OKs Bill on Hospital Financial Assistance

April 09, 2025

The House Health Committee today advanced a bill that would standardize financial assistance forms for Pennsylvania hospitals.

House Bill 79, sponsored by Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny County), requires the Department of Health to develop—with input from the hospital community—a uniform financial assistance application, eligibility template, and statement of availability for use and distribution in hospitals across the commonwealth.

HAP submitted a letter to the committee in support of a key amendment that allows hospitals to continue to offer financial assistance programs that meet the unique needs of their communities, and ensures patients have the right information about charity care guidelines and programs. The goal of the amendment is to make it simpler for patients to understand programs that are available.

“HAP appreciates the collaboration with the prime sponsor of the legislation and committee staff in developing compromise language included in the proposed amendment that takes into consideration financial assistance programs in place and currently offered by hospitals,” the letter said.

The department will have 180 days to create the standardized forms with input from hospitals and the public. These forms will be available online and provided to patients in other materials.

The legislation moves to the full House for consideration.

In other business, the committee also advanced House Resolution 101 to recognize National Hospital Week on May 11–17 and House Bill 69, which expands the Cancer Drug Repository Program.

For more information, contact Arielle Chortanoff, HAP’s vice president, state advocacy; or Sarah Lawver, HAP’s senior director, state advocacy.