Tradeoffs Finds Few Texas Hospitals Preemptively Waive Patient Bills
In a first-of-its-kind investigation, Tradeoffs analyzed presumptive eligibility policies at 166 nonprofit Texas hospitals to see how many proactively screen patients for charity care before billing them. The analysis found 44% of hospitals bill patients before screening them for free or discounted care, and only one system, Memorial Hermann, requires proactive screening before any bill is sent. It also found just 10 of 166 hospitals guarantee full refunds to patients later found eligible for financial aid, leaving many low-income patients to absorb payments made before approval. Texas lawmakers are weighing legislation to require nonprofit hospitals to use presumptive eligibility, amid concern that expected federal coverage losses will push more uninsured patients toward medical debt.