Monday, 16 April 2007

Rhode Island Hospitals To Provide No-Cost Care for Low-Income Patients

A new Rhode Island law requires all hospitals in the state to offer healthcare free of charge for any uninsured patient earning less than 200% of the Federal poverty line (just over $20,000).

“We think we have the most progressive charity care regulations in the nation,” said Rhode Island deputy director of health William J. Waters. “We think we’re the national benchmark.”

All Rhode Island hospitals are non-profit organizations, and already provide millions of dollars in free healthcare. Lawmakers hope the new rules will make it easier for the uninsured to navigate the healthcare system.

In addition to mandating free care, the new rules also:

  • Require a sliding-scale fee system be used to bill people earning between 200% – 300% of the Federal poverty level
  • Forbid hospitals from foreclosing on a patient’s house if a medical bill goes unpaid
  • Provide a “asset protection threshold.” If a patients assets exceed that threshold, the hospital may charge for care — but the charge must equal the best price offered to insurance companies

“Hospitals are free to do more,” added Waters. “We know for a fact that there are hospitals that will do more.”

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Posted by Insurance Quote at 10:55 AM in Health Insurance