California Hospital Fair Billing Program Expands Aid for Low-Income Medical Debt

California law requires hospitals to maintain charity‑care and discounted‑payment policies for patients whose household income is at or below 400 % of the federal poverty level. The Hospital Fair Billing Program obliges hospitals to publish eligibility criteria, application procedures and collection rules, allowing low‑income residents to receive free or reduced‑cost care even after treatment.

Patients are advised to review medical bills for errors, dispute unexpected charges, appeal insurance denials, negotiate with providers, and explore hospital hardship plans or local charities. The federal No Surprises Act, effective in 2022, also shields patients from surprise emergency‑care bills by limiting liability to in‑network costs and requiring good‑faith cost estimates for uninsured patients.