SPOTLIGHT: Alabama may require hospitals to disclose financial assistance programs to patients

Alabama Rep. Merika Coleman has introduced legislation that would require hospitals throughout the state to inform patients about financial assistance programs for which they might be eligible. If the legislation passes, hospitals would include details about charity care and other assistance in writing in patients' medical bills. A senate version of the bill already passed, and Coleman expects her bill to pass tomorrow. Both bills were introduced last month. The Alabama Hospital Association has said that it fully supports and helped Coleman craft the legislation. Article