A recent article published by both Kaiser Health News and the Washington Post discusses the issue of whether hospitals should offer charity care to patients who have declined federally-mandated health insurance coverage. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is one hospital that has indicated such patients will be ineligible for their charity care.
However, other hospitals have not made changes or are still reviewing their policies to ensure they’re compliant with the Affordable Care Act. Two large hospital chains, Tenet and HCA, have no plans for policy changes at their facilities.
Even those with health insurance may need financial assistance because of high deductibles and cost-sharing.
Sources:
Appleby J. Hospitals reconsider charity for patients who decline health coverage. Kaiser Health News, Aug. 18, 2014. http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2014/August/18/Hospitals-Reconsider-Charity-For-Patients-Who-Decline-Health-Coverage.aspx
Appleby J. Hospitals reassess charity as Obamacare options become available. Washington Post, Aug. 16, 2014. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/hospitals-reassess-charity-as-obamacare-options-become-available/2014/08/16/5ab954a0-255f-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html
Charitable care. Southern New Hampshire Health System, accessed Aug. 18, 2014 at http://www.snhhs.org/Charitable-Care
Posted by AHA Resource Center (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org
Filed under: Financial management, Health reform, Hospital costs, Posted by Diana Culbertson, Uninsured | Tagged: hospital charity care policies, patient financial assistance policies |
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