Hospitals must screen patients for charity care and presume some eligible
Hospitals must screen patients and presume those enrolled in programs such as CalFresh or CalWORKs eligible for charity care or discounts, and must also screen uninsured patients and some others. Hospitals may not require a Medi-Cal or Medicare application first, and patients may opt out.
Who it affects
Hospitals and low-income or uninsured patients
When
This law took effect on January 1, 2026, but the changes described here start on July 1, 2027.
- : Signed into law
- : Law took effect
- : The changes described here start to apply
Official text
California AB 1312: Hospital pricing.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.