P.A. 102-0581: FQHC/Free Clinic Referrals and OAG Clarification Email

January 5, 2022

Memorandum

FQHC/Free Clinic Referrals
Public Act 102-0581 requires hospitals to offer uninsured patients who are referred by a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or free and charitable clinic for nonemergency hospital-based services, the opportunity to be screened for and assistance with applying for public health insurance programs. Those patients not qualifying for public programs are to be provided the opportunity to apply for hospital financial assistance when services are scheduled.

Working with the Illinois Primary Health Care Association and Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, IHA assisted in developing a helpful document to aid in the referral process entitled, Referral Partnership Tips: Practical Tips for Successful Hospital/FQHC/FQHC look-a-like/Free and Charitable Clinic (FCC) Referral Partnership.

Office of Attorney (OAG) General Clarification Email
The OAG indicated that it sent an email to all hospital CEOs on Dec. 23, 2021 with an attached letter providing important clarifications related to implementation of Public Act 102-0581.

The letter was similar to the one sent to IHA earlier in December, which was forwarded on to members in a Dec. 7 memo. That memo noted that the OAG intended to make several additional clarifications when its letter was sent to hospitals.  Those additional clarifications were outlined in the OAG’s Dec. 23 letter emailed to hospitals.

The provisions related to the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act apply to all hospitals, whereas the provisions related to the Community Benefits Act only apply to those hospitals subject to that Act.

IHA’s summary of Public Act 102-0581 and subsequent related memos can be found here.

Contact us with any questions.