Many hospitals stated in their plans that part of their mission was to serve the poor and underserved. These hospitals usually restricted their uncompensated health care programs to individuals unable to access entitlement programs such as Medical Assistance or General Relief, those unable to pay for medical obligations, or those with limited financial resources. Often, hospitals' plans included an economic and statistical profile of the individuals in their service area who would be eligible for uncompensated health care services. 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.