The HSCRC has released updated regulations governing hospital financial assistance and medical debt, effective December 11, 2025.
These regulations mandate that financial assistance be accessible to all eligible low-income Maryland residents, regardless of their citizenship status. Additionally, the legislation required the development of a standardized financial assistance form to be used by all hospitals. Every hospital is required to provide its specific financial assistance policy and this common application form to patients upon request.
To streamline the process across all Maryland acute care hospitals, the HSCRC developed the Uniform Financial Assistance Application. Please note that completed applications must be submitted directly to the hospital chosen by the applicant.
For detailed information regarding a specific hospital's policy, please contact them directly. A complete list of website links for Maryland's 42 acute care hospitals can be found here.
Maryland Hospital Patient Information Sheet
According to Health-General §19-214.1(e), Maryland’s acute care hospitals must provide a patient information sheet to patients being discharged from the hospital. The information sheet must include the following:- Description of the hospital’s financial assistance policy;
- Description of the patient’s rights and obligations with regard to hospital billing and collection under the law;
- Contact information for the individual or office at the hospital that is available to assist the patient, their family or authorized representative with the patients bill, their rights and obligations and information on how to apply for free and reduced care;
- Contact information for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and;
- A statement that physician charges are not included in the hospital bill and are billed separately.
For more information about the Guidelines for the Patient Information Sheet, please also read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
