Hospital makes bold move to assure health care access for poor.*

This is a dupe of a thread I posted into GD, but because many folks who frequent The Lounge don't want to venture there, I ask the Moderators to indulge me, please. Thanks! :hi:



Sarah Bush Lincoln Adopts 'Health Care Justice' Guidelines
Douglas County Republican
April 17, 2004

MATTOON--- In a first-of-its-kind program in Illinois, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care System has voluntarily implemented new income guidelines for patients seeking health care. The guidelines mirror those set forth in the 'Illinois Health Care Justice Act', sponsored by State Sen. Barack Obama, which recently passed the Illinois House and is currently being considered by the State Senate.

Under the new guidelines, any individual or family whose adjusted gross income does not exceed 150-percent of the federal government's poverty guidlines will be eligible for free medical care at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital and its outpatient satellite clinics, and those
whose adjusted gross income does not exceed 250-percent of the federal government's poverty guidlines will be eligible for reduced-cost care based on a sliding income scale.

Sarah Bush CEO Gene LeBlond said that the hospital has never denied medical care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, but felt that the time had come for the health-care system to 'step out front' and address the issue of access to health care by poor and lower-income families and individuals in central Illinois. "We have always attempted to work with our patients to provide them with maximum access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay. As an institution that receives Hill-Burton (federal) funds, we have a legal obligation to do so. We feel that the time has arrived for us to go further than the law requires, and set an example for other health-care providers in this state by acting in a socially-responsible manner. The fact is that many people in this area are not receiving health care at all until it becomes an emergency situation, and this is placing a strain upon upon the resources of health-care providers statewide, including our system; it makes far more financial sense for us to provide routine, preventitive health care to low-income people now than it does to provide emergency care to them later, when the costs of doing so are far, far greater."

In a statement released late Friday, Sen. Obama applauded Sarah Bush Lincoln's decision. "If every health-care provider in this state would behave in as socially-responsible manner as has Sarah Bush, my legislation might not be neccessary. I plan to work with the hospital to help them aquire the maximum amount of federal and state funding for this new program, as well as for existing ones. Bold moves such as this one show that we can solve the health-care crisis not just in Illinois, but nationwide as well. It is not simply a matter of dollars, but of the will to do so. Sarah Bush has shown other providers how they can become part of the solution to this growing problem, and I offer them a sincere 'Well done' for their effort."

The new guidlines will take effect immediately, a spokesman for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health care Systems said."

Pretty cool, huh? :D

Wish they'd do that everywhere.

Hope this seed grows and grows.

I think this may be the Gordian Knot in the whole problem--- helping health-care providers realize that they can and should become part of the solution to the problem.

:)

I responded to your post over in GD on this subject, but I feel so strongly about it, I had to respond here too.

Hospitals have GOT to become more aware of the fact that property tax exemptions and community support are earned--not a divine right. A non-profit designation by the IRS (501(C)3 for those who care) does not mean that hospitals can just skip the actual work of caring for all who need it irrespective of ability to pay or insurance status.

http://www.healthbusinessandpolicy.com/TAXChallenge.htm If you go to that addy, you can see a picture of me and hear an interview I did on the subject of hospital property tax exemptions and collection practices and Illinois property tax code...

I'm so glad to see this article you posted. It makes me realize just what an impact our work may have had.

Laura

I've heard the horror stories about Provena and Carle both, and SBL is as different as night is from day, thank God. They're actually a decent 'corporate citizen' to our area, and I've never heard of them mistreating anyone, or denying anyone who sought help the appropriate type and level of care.

I hope more hospitals wake up and follow SBLHC's example. The people I've talked to since yesterday are saying nothing but good things about them and their decision. :)