Question:
What's Hill-Burton Free Health Care About?

Just wanted to provide this bit of information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 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 facilities' area. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for the administration of this program. 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 hospital's Admissions Office, Business Office and Emergency Room. WHO CAN GET IT? You may qualify if your income falls within the Poverty Income Guidelines, published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. 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. 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 must provide a specific amount of free care each year, but can stop once they have given that amount. ELIGIBILITY If your income is less than the current Poverty Income Guidelines, facility services may be free. If greater than, but not more than double,you may be provided services by Hill-Burton 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 proof of income to verify eligibility. Hill-Burton facilities must make a determination of your eligibility within a set time frame which depends on when a request is made and on whether the facility is a hospital, nursing home, or other type of facility. The facility MUST provide you with a written statement which says either when you can get free services or why you have been denied. IF you are asked to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or some other financial assistance program, you must do so. After you have completed the application process, ask for a DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY. REASONS FOR DENIAL The facility MAY deny your request... ~~If your income is more than the current Poverty Income Guidelines, (or more than twice the guidelines if the facility provides Hill-Burton services to persons with income up to double the guidelines). ~~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 facilities' 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 Medicaid/Medicare 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 your Department of Health and Human Services' regional office 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 faacts and dates concerning the complaint. You may call the HOT LINE for help in filing a complaint. You may also call your local legal aid services for help in filing a complaint. *To obtain a list of Hill-Burton facilities in your area, write your Department of Health and Human Services' regional office or call the HOT LINE Toll Free telephone number 1-800-638-0742. In Maryland (for Maryland Residents) call 1-800-492-0359. Hill-Burton MUST provide services without discrimination against Medicare or Medicaid patients, nor for race, creed color, or national origin. For more information about the Community Service Assurance, you may also want to call the Office for Civil Rights. Their toll free number is 1-800-942-5577, or 245-9180 for District of Columbia residents. There is a long list of where to direct your complains depending on the region you are from. If interested, or if you're not sure of your region, I'd be happy to provide this information to you. NOTE* This is a reprint from the brochure from a social services program in a federal entity.    — yourdivaness (posted on February 12, 2003)

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