New York Attorney General Letitia James and Northwell Health, the largest health system in New York, have agreed to expand Northwell Health charity care policies. This significant development aims to provide more extensive financial assistance to low-income patients, thus ensuring better access to medical care and setting a new precedent in the healthcare industry.
Expansion of Financial Assistance
Under this new agreement, Northwell Health will offer financial assistance to individuals earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level. This exceeds the state legislation that mandates assistance for those earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Consequently, this expansion will benefit a larger portion of the population. It will also ease the financial burden of healthcare costs for many New Yorkers. For more information, you can read the full article on Healthcare Dive.
Northwell Health Financial Assistance Overhaul
A notable aspect of this agreement is the introduction of a Medical Debt Ombudsperson at Northwell Health. This role will oversee debt collection practices to ensure fair treatment of patients. Additionally, the ombudsperson will review potential actions to collect debt, providing an extra layer of oversight and protection for patients. You can find more details in the announcement by the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Legislative and Community Response
The agreement aligns with recent state legislation prohibiting legal action to recover medical debt from individuals earning below 400% of the federal poverty level. Furthermore, community advocates have praised the expanded financial aid while continuing to call for broader reforms across all New York hospitals. Thus, the agreement between Attorney General James and Northwell Health represents a significant step towards more equitable healthcare practices.
How Dollar For Can Help
At Dollar For, we help patients navigate the complex process of applying for hospital financial assistance. Our mission is to support patients in securing the aid they need. We provide step-by-step guidance, resources, and support. By collaborating closely with patients and healthcare providers, we strive to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare access.
To see if you qualify for financial assistance at Northwell Health, you can fill out our screener.
Conclusion
The agreement between Attorney General Letitia James and Northwell Health marks a significant step forward in the provision of charity care. By expanding financial assistance and enhancing debt collection oversight, New Yorkers will be able to more easily access the financial relief they’re entitled to.
For further details, you can read the full articles from Healthcare Dive and the New York Attorney General’s Office.