Nearly every hospital had a procedure to determine and verify the income information supplied by persons applying for uncompensated health care services. All hospitals acknowledge that during both the initial and final determination, the hospital policy would be consistently and equitably applied and that no patient would be denied uncompensated health care based upon race, creed, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, or source of income. Patient completes financial statement that includes income, assets, and liabilities. Hospital considers federal poverty guidelines and family size. Hospital verifies third-party coverage, if indicated.
Hospital attempts to secure federal, state, or local funding, if appropriate.
After the hospital makes an initial determination of insufficient funds, income, and health care benefits, the claim becomes eligible for final review, often by a committee comprised by administrative, business office, social services, and nursing staff. Occasionally, hospital board members serve on these committees. In return for funding, the hospitals agreed to provide a reasonable amount of care without charge or at reduced rates to patients who could not afford health care. Hospitals with Hill-Burton obligations must follow federal procedures to determine patient eligibility. Hospitals determine eligibility by comparing the patient's family income to the current federal poverty guidelines.