Mickey; Maybe Some Help

[Lolly]

Dear Mickey, I seem to remember that you live in Oregon, like me...anyway, here is a possible remedy for you if you could switch to a treatment center in the Providence network. I apologise if this is just to much for you to consider at this point, but your situation is so UNFAIR. I had to try again to help. Hugs to you and your kids...Lolly


Oregon and Medical02 Nov 2005 09:47 am
Uninsured Patients Secure First Class Action Settlement With a Nonprofit Hospital System

Providence Health Care Systems in Oregon decided to guarantee fair pricing and charity care for the uninsured. You can read the press release here.

All charges to uninsured patients will be recalculated in two steps.

1. They will first be recalculated to reflect Providence’s Oregon Preferred Provider average rate, which is expected to reduce the bills by approximately 30% for Portland area patients.
2. The hospital bills will be further reduced based on the uninsured patient’s income using income statistics determined by the federal government. For example, uninsured patients whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($38,700 for a family of four) will be entitled to free care at Providence if they do not own more than $75,000 in assets. An uninsured family of four with an income of $77,400 will receive an additional 10% discount from the Preferred Provider rate.

Uninsured patients who have been treated at one of the Providence hospitals in the past four years will be entitled to a refund, vouchers or a recalculation of their bill. For instance, Gordon and Theresa Block, plaintiffs in this case who received a $96,000 bill for emergency treatment for Mrs. Block, will have their bill reduced to $8,900. Plaintiff Gerry Hugo of Medford, Oregon, will receive a refund of almost $7,300 after paying $12,000 on his hospital bill.