Delaware Board Reviews Hospital Charity Care Rules
The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board is shaping new regulations to enforce Senate Bill 13 hospital aid requirements.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board recently convened to review draft regulations ensuring nonprofit hospitals provide charity care as mandated by Senate Bill 13. The proposed rules would require mandatory eligibility screenings for patients with balances exceeding $500.
Why it matters
These regulations aim to standardize access to free or discounted medical care for residents living near or below the federal poverty line. By establishing oversight and audit protocols, the board intends to reduce barriers for patients seeking financial relief from hospital bills.
The draft rules mandate screenings for balances over $500 and offer tiered discounts based on income brackets up to 500% of the federal poverty line. Nonprofit hospitals must now facilitate these relief measures for qualifying Delaware residents.
The players
Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board
This body is responsible for overseeing hospital cost structures and ensuring compliance with state charity care mandates in Delaware.
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality
This state agency regulates healthcare facilities and will handle referrals regarding hospital charity care complaints.
The details
The board plans to utilize periodic outside audits to monitor hospital denial rates and identify excessive determination delays. Additionally, regulators agreed to refer credible complaints regarding charity care violations directly to the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality for further oversight.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Senate Bill 13 was officially signed into law.
October 20, 2026: The board met in New Castle to review the draft charity care regulations.
November 2026: Delaware's six hospital systems will present detailed reports to the board.
November 17, 2026: The board is scheduled to hold its next public meeting.
Market Landscape
This regulatory push follows the mandate set by Senate Bill 13 to expand patient access to medical care. The board's current work directly implements the consumer protection provisions established by this state legislation.
Residents with medical balances over $500 will soon benefit from mandatory eligibility screenings to determine if they qualify for free or discounted care. These changes aim to lower out-of-pocket costs for households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty line.
The takeaway
Patients who meet specific income criteria should monitor hospital communications to ensure they receive mandatory charity care screenings. These new standards reflect a shift toward increased transparency and accountability in nonprofit hospital billing practices.
What happens next
The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board will hold its next meeting on November 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local community support initiatives on the Delaware Philanthropy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Spotlight Delaware.
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