In a recent report from the UConn Health Disparities Institute in Farmington, researchers found one hospital in the state — Danbury (Conn.) Hospital — was involved in nearly half of the 13,824 total medical debt cases filed in Connecticut in 2016.
A state health agency is probing the hospital, and Danbury Hospital is reviewing its debt-collection policies. Still, the op-ed argues “the policies of all hospitals should be examined for equity.”
“Hospitals do provide charity care to the poor — Danbury Hospital gave $13 million in free care last year. It is the insured with high deductibles who appear to bear the unfair brunt of debt over the cost of healthcare,” the editors said. “Reform insurance policies and either phase out high deductibles or provide more help to people who have them as a necessity to afford monthly insurance payments.”
Read the full op-ed here.
More articles on healthcare finance:
New York hospital closes campus
Mayo Clinic Health System to close hospital in 2020
12 latest hospital credit rating downgrades
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.