Presenter
Presented by Ms. Carlisle
Body
WHEREAS, studies suggest that as many as 11% of Pittsburgh residents are uninsured or underinsured, and certain residents do not have the economic means to obtain access to quality health care. Hospitals can help address these needs by providing Free Care to certain uninsured and underinsured members of their communities and that the provision of Free Care should become a recognized and excepted obligation to all not-for-profit hospitals; and
WHEREAS, full free care shall be given to any Pittsburgh Resident whose family income is equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines or a non resident who receives emergency or urgent care and whose family income is equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines ;
WHEREAS, Partial Free Care shall be given to any Pittsburgh Resident whose family income is from 201% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, or a non resident who receives emergency or urgent care and whose family income is equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
WHEREAS, Medical Hardship assistance shall be given to any Pittsburgh Resident or a non resident who receives emergency or urgent care whose allowable medical expense exceeds 25% of his or her family income. These allowable medical expenses billed by the hospital shall be calculated at cost; and
WHEREAS, hospitals must adequately advertise the availability of Free Care and take the proper measures to insure patient are in fact eligible. Hospitals shall give the patient written notice of eligibility determination within 14 days of receipt of a complete application. The patient will remain eligible for Free Care for one year of the effective date of eligibility determination, unless the patient's family income or insurance changes.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does hereby recognize and support quality free health care and encourage hospitals to help address these needs by providing Free Care to certain uninsured and underinsured members of their communities.