Even if you don't meet the guidelines, you may be able to convince the hospital or medical group to allow financial assistance if your case is especially sympathetic. Find out exactly what the problem is and gather information to prove that you do meet their guidelines. The hospital or medical group decided that you don't meet their guidelines. If it's impossible to get the information requested, explain why. This one is easy - just ask for time to give them the rest of the information. You didn't provide all the information requested. There are two basic reasons why your request for financial assistance may be denied: Be sure and find out the exact reason why your application was denied. This may not be a formal process, but most hospitals allow a chance to appeal. If you are denied Charity Care, you should ask the hospital or medical group to reconsider the denial. What do I do if I'm denied charity care (or I believe I should get a larger discount)? You should act as soon as possible - even if your bills have been sent to collections.ĥ. Even if the hospital bills are very old, you may still be able to get financial assistance based on your current financial situation. If they don't, call the medical group to see if they have their own policy that you can apply for. Also ask if medical groups in the hospital follow the same policy. To apply for financial assistance, contact the billing department of your hospital and ask to apply for financial assistance. Some groups have their own separate policy.Īnother thing to keep in mind is that even if you qualify for full Charity Care for an old hospital bill, that doesn't mean the hospital or doctor has to provide future treatment for free. The hospital's financial assistance policy does not always apply to the medical groups - it just depends upon the hospital and medical group. Medical groups are made up of doctors, nurse practitioners and other medical providers, including some you may never meet. Hospitals contract with medical groups to provide services inside the hospital. One thing to keep in mind is that a hospital's Charity Care policy may not apply to the medical groups that practice within the hospital. Similarly, some hospitals and medical groups may deny Charity Care if you were eligible for health insurance, but refused to apply for it. In addition, some hospitals and medical groups will only allow Charity Care if you were uninsured when you received the treatment. Elective surgery, such as cosmetic surgery, probably won't be covered. The bills that you owe are for services that were medically necessary. Your household has low income and few financial resources, especially compared to your household's necessary expenses. You are more likely to be eligible if both of the items below apply to you: Please call the Public Benefits Hotline for more information: 1-80.Īgain, Charity Care policies vary greatly. NOTE: If you have hospital bills for services that should have been covered by the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), the hospital and doctor may not be able to collect from you. 200% was $3,925.Įven if you don't qualify for completely free care, you may at least get a partial discount. In 2013, 150% FPL for a family of four was $2,944 per month. Others forgive the entire hospital debt for people living below 200% of FPL. Many hospital policies forgive the entire hospital debt for people living below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Some medical groups (doctors) also do this.Ĭharity Care policies vary greatly from hospital to hospital and from medical group to medical group. If you cannot afford to pay your hospital bill, you may be eligible to have part or all of the bill forgiven as Charity Care. Charity Care is financial assistance for medical services.
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