Hospital Charity Policy

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PATIENTS

REGARDING THE HOSPITAL CHARITY POLICY

Effective February 1, 2009 / Revised October 1, 2009

In accordance with federal EMTALA regulations and state law, Touchette Regional Hospital campuses will evaluate all emergency room patients for emergency medical conditions regardless of insurance coverage or the ability of patients to pay.  Patients presenting for emergent services will be reviewed for charity eligibility and receive eligibility determination during the registration process.

Patients that do not have any coverage or do not qualify for any coverage and request non-emergent hospital services at Touchette Regional Hospital campuses will be reviewed for eligibility under the Hospital’s charity policy either prior to the service being received or at the time of the service.  Initial determination will be based upon the following criteria:

The patient is an established resident whose primary address is within the Hospital service area. 

or

The patient is currently established with a primary physician or specialist that is on staff at the Hospital and it is that physician that is ordering the services.    

Once initial eligibility is determined, the total amount of charity received will be contingent upon the patient’s overall financial situation and any rules and regulations set forth by the federal government or the State of Illinois .  If immediate confirmation cannot be made, or the total amount of charity cannot be determined, the patient may be asked to provide further documentation and the Charity determination will be postponed until eligibility can be confirmed.  The Hospital reserves the right to postpone final eligibility approval and the requested service in accordance with regulations and guidelines set forth by the federal government or the State of Illinois .

                                                                                    200%   300%   450%   600%

Federal Poverty Level   Charity Discount *                    100%     70%     55%     30%    

(updated 2009)

*  Not to exceed rules and regulations set forth by the State of Illinois .

Patients presenting for non-emergent services and who meet the initial determination criteria but do not qualify for 100% charity, a non-refundable minimum deposit will be required prior to receiving non-emergent services.  Patients that do not qualify for any charity will be required to pay an estimated cost for the service which will be determined prior to the service and payable prior to receiving the requested non-emergent service.

Patients that elect to enter our New Vision Program and/or those patients that have qualified for grant money from other programs associated with either facility are not eligible to receive benefits from the Hospital’s charity program.  Other exclusions include those patients that currently have coverage, but whose coverage is insufficient for the requested service. 

If you have any further questions regarding financial assistance provided to patients at either facility, or would like to know the status of your eligibility, please contact Touchette Customer Service at 332-5215 during normal business hours.

Administration
Touchette Regional Hospital