Hill-Burton Uncompensated
Services InquiryThe
following is our standard response to written requests for information on the
Hill-Burton uncompensated services program:
Many
hospitals and other health care facilities received Federal funds under
the Hill-Burton program to meet their construction and/or modernization
needs. In return, these facilities are required to provide a specific
amount of free or below cost health care (known as uncompensated services)
to persons unable to pay. For most facilities, the uncompensated services
obligation lasts approximately 20 years. Eligibility for Hill-Burton uncompensated
services is based on family size and income. The Federal Poverty Guidelines
are used to determine financial eligibility. At some facilities, family
eligibility may be based on income up to twice the poverty guidelines,
and at some nursing homes may be based on income up to triple the guidelines.
See the Poverty Guidelines.
To find out if an individual qualifies for Hill-Burton assistance and
whether or not a facility provides the specific services needed, application must
be made at the admissions or business office at a Hill-Burton facility. Please
note that services fully covered by third-party insurance or a governmental program
are not eligible for Hill-Burton coverage, nor are Medicare deductible or coinsurance
amounts eligible. In addition, private pharmacy, laboratory and physician fees
and services excluded by the facility from its published allocation plan, are
not covered by this program. See a list of currently
obligated Hill-Burton facilities Since
some facilities are now reaching completion of their obligations, you should call
the business office of the facilities which are of interest to you to ensure that
they are still participating in the Hill-Burton program. Please note that the
facilities which have an asterisk (*) next to their names are certified under
a compliance alternative. Their programs may be called either a free care, a charity
care, a discounted health services, or an indigent care program, etc. These programs
may also use different financial and other criteria to establish eligibility.
See
our Free Care Brochure (Acrobat/pdf - get
the free Reader). This
brochure provides a general explanation of the program and instructions for filing
an application. It also explains the circumstances under which a facility may
deny a request for Hill-Burton uncompensated services. If
you have more questions about Hill-Burton free care, contact:
DFCR
5600
Fishers Lane
Room 16C-17
Rockville, Maryland 20857, or email us at
dfcrcomm@hrsa.gov If
you owe bills or require services at non-Hill-Burton facilities, contact:
The
hospital's department of social services or your county department of social services
for help in obtaining financial assistance.
If
you need help paying for prescription medications, contact:
The Pharmaceuticals
Research and Manufacturers Association directory of Patient
Assistance Programs (not a U.S. Government Web site) |
