Intermountain revises policies on uninsured; offers discounts, halts aggressive collections.(Intermountain Health Care)(Brief Article)

Health Care Strategic Management, July, 2005

Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, is changing its policies on the care of uninsured patients. Patients with incomes up to five times the federal poverty level may qualify for discounts of up to 100% for the care they receive at IHC facilities.

The discount is based on a sliding scale, taking into account income level, debts, liquid assets, and family size.

The integrated delivery network modified its Financial Assistance Program as follows:

* IHC will not use a court proceeding to collect an unpaid medical bill unless there is evidence of fraud or an indication of ability to pay, coupled with refusal to pay.

* For patients who choose to make extended payments on their bill, IHC has reduced the interest charged on those...

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