In a significant move to ease financial strain on North Carolinians, Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) have introduced measures to alleviate medical debt for nearly two million residents. This initiative, leveraging the state’s Medicaid program, aims to relieve up to $4 billion in existing medical debt for low- and middle-income individuals and prevent future debt accumulation.
New Medicaid Conditions
First, NCDHHS has requested approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement conditions that hospitals must meet to receive enhanced Medicaid funds. These conditions include:
- Relieving existing medical debt dating back to January 1, 2014.
- Offering discounts on medical bills for patients with incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- Automatically enrolling eligible individuals into financial assistance programs.
- Prohibiting the sale of medical debt to collectors for those at or below 300% FPL.
- Ensuring no medical debt covered by these policies is reported to credit agencies.
Hospitals that choose not to comply will receive standard Medicaid funding.
Impact on North Carolinians
Governor Cooper emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. He stated, “Freeing people from medical debt can be life-changing for families and boost the overall economic health of North Carolina.” These measures are crucial, especially since medical debt affects an estimated 41% of U.S. adults, disproportionately impacting Black, Hispanic, and rural communities.
Applying for Charity Care
At Dollar For, we specialize in helping patients apply for hospital financial assistance programs. We ensure that eligible individuals receive the medical debt relief they deserve. Our services include:
- Providing resources and guidance on how to apply for financial assistance.
- Assisting with the application process to increase the likelihood of approval.
- Offering ongoing support to help manage and understand medical bills.
Conclusion
This initiative by Governor Cooper and NCDHHS marks a vital step toward reducing the financial burden of medical debt for North Carolinians. By providing substantial debt relief and implementing preventive measures, the program promises to improve the economic stability and health outcomes of affected families.
For additional details and to see if you qualify for medical debt relief, visit the NCDHHS website or contact their customer service center at 1-800-662-7030.
By staying informed and proactive, we can help ensure that more North Carolinians benefit from these crucial financial assistance programs. Visit Dollar For to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in managing medical debt.