Financial Assistance Programs at Rochester Regional Health: A New Approach to Helping Patients Pay Hospital Bills
Headline: Rochester Regional Health Takes Unique Approach to Help Patients Pay Hospital Bills
In a groundbreaking move, Rochester Regional Health in upstate New York has implemented a policy that bars all aggressive collection activities when patients are unable to pay their hospital bills. This approach, which is rare in the healthcare industry, aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and rebuild trust within the community.
Financial counselor Jolynn Mungenast is at the forefront of this initiative, working tirelessly to assist patients in navigating health insurance options, financial aid, and payment plans. Many patients want to pay their bills but simply cannot afford to do so. The fear of negative consequences like damaged credit ratings or legal action looms large for these individuals.
Rochester Regional Health’s decision to eliminate aggressive collection tactics has not only benefited patients but has also proven to be financially sustainable for the health system. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Eslinger noted that the system has been able to reduce costs associated with pursuing unpaid bills and has seen a positive impact on patient trust.
The healthcare landscape in Rochester, once dominated by major employers like Kodak and Xerox, has faced financial challenges in recent years. Patients, too, struggle with high deductibles and confusing insurance plans, making it difficult for them to cover medical expenses. This led Rochester Regional to reevaluate its approach to billing and collections.
By enrolling more patients in health insurance, expanding financial assistance programs, and offering interest-free payment plans, Rochester Regional Health has created a more patient-centered approach to billing. This has allowed the health system to avoid taking legal action against patients and refrain from reporting unpaid bills to credit bureaus.
While medical debt remains a significant issue for millions of Americans, Rochester Regional’s proactive stance on collections has been lauded by experts in the field. The system’s commitment to helping patients navigate their bills and find manageable payment solutions sets a positive example for other healthcare providers.
As healthcare finance officials debate the necessity of aggressive collection tactics, Rochester Regional Health continues to prioritize patient care and financial assistance. By putting patients first and focusing on building trust, the health system is paving the way for a more compassionate approach to medical billing.