As healthcare costs continue to rise, the responsibility of healthcare systems to provide care for all members of the community, regardless of their financial situation, becomes ever more critical. At UNC Health Care System, this commitment is demonstrated through the Unc Charity Care Program. In just one year, from July 2010 to June 2011, UNC Health Care provided over $325 million in uncompensated care, with more than $117 million specifically designated as charity care. This significant investment underscores the dedication to ensuring that high-quality healthcare services are accessible to the people of North Carolina in a fair, consistent, and effective manner. The Charity Care Program is available across all hospitals within the UNC Health Care System, including Rex Healthcare and Chatham Hospital, ensuring broad reach and impact.
Key Provisions of the UNC Charity Care Program
The UNC Charity Care Program offers several key provisions designed to ease the financial burden of healthcare for eligible patients. These provisions are structured to provide immediate relief and long-term support:
- Substantial Discounts for Uninsured Patients: Patients without health insurance coverage benefit from a significant 35 percent discount on charges for both physician and hospital services. This immediate reduction helps to make healthcare more affordable at the point of service.
- Flexible, No-Interest Payment Plans: To further assist with managing medical expenses, the program provides access to no-interest payment plans for both physician and hospital charges. These plans allow patients to manage their healthcare costs over time without incurring additional financial penalties.
- Reduced Costs for Lower-Income Patients: For patients with incomes below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the financial responsibility is significantly reduced to only a copay for services. This provision ensures that healthcare is accessible to individuals and families with limited financial resources.
Beyond these core provisions, UNC Health Care also recognizes the unique challenges faced by patients who incur exceptionally high medical costs. The Catastrophic Care Program is available to support these individuals, offering medical debt reduction to 20 percent of their annual income for those who do not otherwise qualify for charity care but face overwhelming medical expenses.
Patient Responsibilities and Application Process
To ensure the UNC Charity Care Program operates effectively and reaches those who genuinely need assistance, there are a few key steps and expectations for patients. UNC Health Care requests that each patient actively participate in the process by demonstrating a good faith effort. This includes:
- Open Communication with Financial Counselors: Patients are encouraged to discuss their financial situation openly and honestly with UNC Health Care’s financial counselors. These counselors are trained to provide guidance and support throughout the application process and to help patients understand all available options.
- Commitment to a Payment Plan: Where appropriate, patients are expected to work with financial counselors to establish a manageable payment plan. This demonstrates a commitment to meeting financial obligations to the best of their ability.
- Exploring Alternative Coverage Options: Patients are encouraged to explore and pursue any alternative methods of healthcare coverage that may be available to them. This proactive approach helps to ensure long-term healthcare access and financial stability.
- Completing a Financial Assistance Application: To formally apply for the UNC Charity Care Program, patients need to complete an application for financial assistance. As part of this application, individuals will be asked to provide documentation such as prior year’s tax returns (to verify family size), recent pay stubs, and bank statements. This documentation is essential for accurately assessing financial need and determining eligibility for the program.
For individuals seeking more detailed information about the specific components of the UNC Charity Care Program, UNC Health Care provides a comprehensive resource document available at http://unchealthcare.org/site/healthpatientcare/patient/other/financialpolicy.pdf. This document offers in-depth explanations and further details about the program’s guidelines and procedures.
How to Learn More About the UNC Charity Care Program
Navigating healthcare finances can be complex, and UNC Health Care is committed to providing clear and accessible support. If patients or their families have questions regarding hospital billing, they are encouraged to contact the billing department directly at 919-966-1234. For inquiries specifically related to UNC P&A billing, the dedicated line is 919-966-2211.
For questions specifically about the UNC Charity Care Program, UNC Health Care offers multiple avenues for assistance:
- In-Person Support During Clinic Visits: Financial Counselors are readily available in each clinic location. Patients can schedule time to speak with these counselors during their clinic visits to discuss the program and receive personalized guidance.
- Helpline Assistance by Phone: A dedicated Charity Care Policy helpline is available to answer questions and provide support over the phone. Patients can reach the helpline at 919-966-3425 or toll-free at 866-704-5286.
- Pre-Service Cost Estimates and Program Enrollment: For individuals who are not yet patients but are considering UNC Health Care for planned services, Financial Counselors within the clinics can provide cost estimates for those services before a visit. Critically, they can also assist potential patients in enrolling in the UNC Charity Care Program if it is applicable to their situation, ensuring financial considerations are addressed proactively.
Through the UNC Charity Care Program and its comprehensive support services, UNC Health Care reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of the community, ensuring that financial constraints do not become barriers to accessing necessary medical care.
