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WSHA continues to work with our member hospitals and health systems to make it easier for patients to apply for and get charity care. We created a standardized charity care application form that is available in multiple languages. We are pleased to say that these forms have been adopted by more than 90 percent of our member hospitals. 

WSHA Standard Documents

WSHA has developed a standard financial assistance application form and standard plan for communicating about financial assistance. The WSHA Board of Trustees unanimously voted to urge every hospital in Washington State that is subject to the state’s charity care law to adopt the standard application form and communication plan. Adopting the application and communication plan are the right thing to do for our patients, our communities, and our hospitals.

WSHA has translated the WSHA standard application to the following languages: 

We are here to help you as you ensure your charity care program is working. Contact WSHA to learn more about our programs and support for members. 

 

WSHA Financial Assistance Bulletins

The purpose of this bulletin is to alert hospitals to upcoming changes to the state charity care law, chapter 70.170 RCW. The changes to state law in Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1616 apply to care provided on or after July 1, 2022, and all hospitals must establish compliant charity care policies by this date.

This bulletin informs hospitals about a hospital transparency and reporting law passed in the 2021 Washington State legislative session. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1272 (E2SHB 1272) includes new hospital data collection and reporting requirements in the following areas.

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals about changes to the federal “public charge” rule that take effect on February 24, 2020. Under this rule, certain immigrants may be denied a change in their immigration status if they receive certain government benefits, including many Medicaid services. For hospitals, the likely impact is that patients concerned about immigration status (for themselves or their family members) may be hesitant to seek health care or be unwilling to apply for Medicaid. Patients may also be hesitant to apply for charity care out of confusion over whether hospital charity care is captured by the public charge rule.

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals and health systems about recent changes to state law governing consumer debt, including medical debt.  Two relevant bills, Substitute House Bill 1531 and Substitute House Bill 1602, were enacted this legislative session.  Hospitals and collection agencies will be required to comply beginning on July 28, 2019, when the bills go into effect.

The purpose of this bulletin is to alert hospitals to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement for all hospitals regarding transparency and posting of standard charges as reflected in the chargemaster.  The requirement is effective January 1, 2019.

The purpose of this bulletin is to make hospitals aware of financial reporting requirements now tied to the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program (MQIP).