|
FREE HOSPITAL
CARE
NURSING HOME CARE
AND CARE PROVIDED IN OTHER TYPES OF HEALTH FACILITIES
UNDER THE HILL-BURTON PROGRAM
What’s Hill-Burton Free Health Care About?
In 1946, Congress passed a law which gave hospitals and other health
facilities money for construction and modernization. In return, the facilities
that received these Hill-Burton funds agreed to (1) provide a reasonable
volume of services to persons unable to pay, and (2) make their services
available to all persons residing in the facility’s area. The Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for the administration
of this program.
The following is a simplified explanation of the Hill-Burton program
at most health facilities. Some Hill-Burton facilities may use different
eligibility standards and procedures. For additional information, call
the HOTLINE. Toll Free at 1-800-638-0742 or for Maryland Residents 1-800-492-0359.
Our internet website at continually updates the list of obligated facilities
and provides other information about this program.
Hill-Burton facilities must provide services without discrimination on
the basis of race, color, national origin, or creed. They also may not
discriminate against Medicare or Medicaid patients. For more information
about the Community Service Assurance, you may call the Office for Civil
Rights. Their Toll Free number is: 1-800-368-1019.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE?
Free
or low cost health care. Many health facilities must give health care
to some people who cannot afford to pay. Hill-Burton facilities must post
a sign that says "NOTICE - Medical Care for Those Who Cannot Afford
to Pay" in the health facility's Admissions Office Business Office
and Emergency Room.
Who Can Get It?
You may qualify if your income falls within the Poverty Guidelines, published
annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. You may also
qualify at some facilities if your income is up to double the Poverty
Guidelines (or triple the Guidelines for nursing homes).
Where Can You Get It?
At Hill-Burton assisted facilities including hospitals, nursing homes,
clinics, etc. Apply at the Admissions Office or Business Office.
When Can You Apply?
At any time---before or after you receive
care; even after a bill has been sent to a collection
agency.
How Can You Receive It?
Ask for Hill-Burton assistance.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
- Each Hill-Burton facility can choose which types of services to provide
at no charge or reduced charge. They do this in an ALLOCATION PLAN published
in the newspaper.
- The facility must give you a written INDIVIDUAL NOTICE which will
tell you what types of Hill-Burton free or reduced charge services it
provides.
- Only facility costs are covered, not your private doctor’s bills.
- Hill-Burton facilities must provide a specific amount of free or reduced
charge care each year, but can stop once they have given that amount.
- To obtain a list of Hill-Burton facilities in your area, call the
HOTLINE telephone number.
ELIGIBILITY
-
If your income is less than the current Poverty Guidelines,
facility services may be free.
-
If your income is greater than, but not more than double
the Poverty Guidelines (or triple the Guidelines for nursing homes),
Hill-Burton facilities may provide services at full charge, reduced
charge, or free. The INDIVIDUAL NOTICE will tell you what income levels
qualify for free care.
-
The facility may ask you to provide information to verify
eligibility, such as proof of income.
-
Hill-Burton facilities must make a determination of
your eligibility within a set time frame. Time frames depend on when
a request is made and on whether the facility is a hospital, nursing
home, or other type of facility. See the Facility’s INDIVIDUAL NOTICE
for the time frame in place at the facility.
-
The facility must provide you with a written statement
which says either when you can get free or reduced charge services
or why you have been denied.
Follow these steps:
1. Ask facility personnel for a copy of the INDIVIDUAL NOTICE.
(This notice will tell you exactly where in the facility to apply.)
2. Ask how to apply for Hill-Burton free care. The facility
may request that you fill out an application.
3. If you are asked to furnish proof of income eligibility,
give this information to the facility (a pay stub may be requested).
4. If you are asked to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or
some other financial assistance program, you must do so.
5. When you return the completed application, ask for a
DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY.
REASONS FOR DENIAL
The facility may deny your request...
-
If your income is more than the current Poverty Guidelines,
(or more than twice the Guidelines (or triple the Guidelines for nursing
homes) if the facility provides Hill Burton services to persons with
income up to these amounts).
-
If the facility has given out .its required amount of
free care as specified in its ALLOCATION PLAN.
-
If the services you requested or received are not covered
in the facility's ALLOCATION PLAN.
-
If the services you requested or received are to be
paid by Medicare/Medicaid, insurance or other financial assistance
program.
-
If the facility asks you to first apply for Medicare/Medicaid
or a financial assistance program, and you do not cooperate.
-
If you do not give the facility proof of your income,
such as a pay stub.
COMPLAINTS
-
You may file a complaint with the Department of Health
and Human Services at the address below if you have reason to believe
you have been unfairly denied Hill-Burton free care.
-
A complaint must be in writing. It can be a letter that
simply states the facts and dates concerning the complaint.
-
You may call your local legal aid services for help
in filing a complaint.
TO FILE A COMPLAINT WRITE TO:
Director, Division
of Facilities Compliance and Recovery
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10C-16
Rockville, MD 20857
|
