Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Charity Care and Medical Bills

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Obtaining Free Care—Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care
http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/
Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services

Information about free and reduced cost care for people with low incomes from health care facilities that have received federal funds under the Hill-Burton Act ("Hill-Burton facilities"). Topics covered include: who qualifies for free health care, the types of services covered by the this program, where people can obtain free health care under the program, how people may apply for free care and how people can file a complaint if they have been unfairly denied free or reduced cost care.
full description

• Can a hospital refuse to treat me because I do not have health insurance and cannot afford to pay?
• What is the Hill-Burton Act?
• Do I qualify for free or reduced cost health care from Hill-Burton facilities?
• Do I have a right to be treated at a health care facility?
• How do I apply for free or reduced cost health care?
• What should I do, and who can I complain to, if I have been unfairly denied free or reduced cost health care from a Hill-Burton facility?

How to Present a Charity Care Defense to a Lawsuit for Hospital Debt Collection
http://www.lawhelp.org/WA/showdocument.cfm/County/
Source: Northwest Justice Project

Explains what people should do if they have been sued for hospital-based medical bills. Describes the complaint, how to answer a complaint, other documents a person should prepare when served with a complaint for medical bills, and how to assert a Charity Care defense. Includes links to sample forms which may be helpful to people sued for medical bills.
full description

• Can a hospital or collection agency sue me for medical bills even if I can't afford to pay?
• What should I do if I've been sued for hospital or medical bills?
• How do I respond to a complaint for hospital or medical bills?
• How do I assert a Charity Care defense if I've been sued for hospital bills?