MCDH announces revised Charity Care policy

1/28/05

MCDH recently revised its Charity Care policy, now available to the public in both English and Spanish.  “Charity Care” is financial assistance designed to protect the uninsured and underinsured from facing overwhelming debt due to costs associated with hospital care.

Historically, MCDH has had a Charity Care policy in place.  The policy is periodically revised to reflect economic realities as they change over time.  This most recent revision takes into consideration new legislation currently under deliberation in the Senate. 

The Charity Care policy specifies the financial criteria and procedure used by MCDH to determine whether a patient is eligible for full or partial charity care, and includes an application for qualification.  Confidentiality of information and the dignity of the individual will be maintained for all who seek and/or are provided assistance.

Eligibility for Charity Care will be determined at the time of pre-registration or registration for services, at the time the service is provided, or as soon as possible following medical treatment.  All patients requesting consideration for Charity Care will receive a financial review for possible

Charity Care funding.

Once qualified for Charity Care, a patient sets up a payment plan to pay the reduced portion of the total hospital bill as determined by the policy guidelines.  A patient’s payment plan is set up according to the patient’s ability to pay.

In general terms, a patient is eligible for Charity Care at MCDH if his or her household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level.   

Copies of MCDH’s Charity Care policy are available at the Emergency Department and Outpatient Services registration windows, the billing office, or by calling 961-4684.