Long Island residents struggling to pay medical bills are hopeful a new state proposal can provide them with relief.

A proposed bill, co-penned by State Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), would put a cap on the amount of money hospitals can charge uninsured patients. Health and Welfare Council Executive Director Jack O?Connell says people who live in 100 percent poverty or below would not have to pay anything for health care in a hospital setting. O?Connell adds that benefits would extend up to families of four that have an income of $60,000.

In addition to the cap, officials say the bill will prohibit hospitals from sending claims to a collections agency if the patient has recently applied for financial aid. Governor Pataki (R-NY) must sign off on the bill.