An examination of billing policies and practices at more than 500 hospitals across the country shows widespread reliance on aggressive collection tactics.
to cut back on food and other essentials, drain retirement savings, and make other difficult sacrifices.
A quarter sell patients' debts to debt collectors, who in turn can pursue patients for years for unpaid bills;Nearly 40% of all hospitals researched make no information available on their websites about their collection activities, although KHN in some cases was able to obtain the information through repeated requests.
Balogun, a prize-winning student, landed a job at banking giant Goldman Sachs and used his signing bonus to begin paying down the debt. Five years later, he's still making payments. Now Balogun said he thinks twice before going to the doctor. Ascension spokesperson Nick Ragone told KHN that the chain, America's second-largest Catholic system,"ceased taking legal action against patients for unpaid bills starting in October 2019." But New Yorkthat Lourdes continued to file legal actions against patients until at least 2021.
At many medical centers, however, information about financial assistance is difficult or impossible to find. About 1 in 5 hospitals researched by KHN, including public university systems in five states, don't post aid policies online.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More than 500 musicians demand accountability after Juilliard misconduct allegationsAfter VAN magazine published accusations against Robert Beaser, a former head of The Juilliard School's composition department, hundreds of composers, educators and presenters are demanding change.
Read more »
500 Musicians Demand Change After Juilliard Misconduct AllegationsAn open letter demands that the Juilliard School take action against composer Robert Beaser for alleged 'decades-long abuse of women and power'
Read more »
Skier survives after being carried 500 yards by an avalanche near Jackson Hole in Wyoming | CNNA skier was rescued on Friday in Teton County, Wyoming, near Jackson Hole after getting caught in an avalanche and carried about 500 yards.
Read more »
Philadelphia reaches 500 homicides in 2022 as concerns about crime, gun violence continueThe city has continued to see a steady increase in homicides since 2016. According to Philadelphia police, there were 499 homicides in the city in 2020 and 562 in 2021.
Read more »
Blueprint Engines' 3.6-liter turbo four gasser makes 340 hp and 500 lb-ft* - AutoblogBlueprint Engines designs a concept 3.6-liter four-cylinder turbo with 340 hp and 500 lb-ft. Now it's looking for a reason to put the mill on the market.
Read more »
S&P 500 Index could slump to the 3000 level – Morgan StanleyEconomists at Morgan Stranley expect price declines for equities. The S&P 500 Index could fall to the 3000 level. Have markets fully priced an earning
Read more »