How I Unlocked Kaiser Permanente’s Secret Financial Assistance Program
It’s Not Called “Charity Care”
I have Kaiser insurance, so when I got a huge bill, I started looking for their charity care program. I couldn’t find anything. Their website talks about billing and payment plans, but not forgiveness. I almost gave up. Then, I tried a different search. I typed “Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance Program” into Google. That was the magic phrase. It led me to a hidden corner of their site with the forms and income guidelines. They don’t call it charity, they call it financial assistance, and knowing that secret name was the key that unlocked everything for me.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Charity Care at HCA Hospitals
Fighting a For-Profit Giant
HCA is a massive for-profit hospital chain, so I assumed getting help would be impossible. I was wrong. I learned they still have to screen patients for aid, especially if they came through the ER. My strategy was simple and direct. I called the billing office and immediately asked for the “Financial Assistance Policy” and application. I filled it out completely, leaving no blanks. I attached a hardship letter explaining how the bill would be financially devastating. They are legally required to review it. While their income limits are strict, my focused, professional approach got me a significant discount.
I Got My Bill Forgiven at a Mayo Clinic—Here’s the Inside Scoop
World-Class Care, World-Class Compassion
The Mayo Clinic saved my life, but the bill that followed felt like it could end it. I was intimidated, thinking a world-famous institution wouldn’t have time for my financial problems. I was pleasantly surprised. Their financial aid application was straightforward and available online. The key, I learned, was in the details. I provided a very clear, concise letter explaining my situation, and attached every single document they asked for. Their process was professional and respectful. They reviewed my case based on the facts I presented and approved me for 100% forgiveness. Their compassion matched their medical expertise.
The Cleveland Clinic Charity Care Bible: A Patient’s Guide
Your Map Through the Maze
The Cleveland Clinic is a city unto itself, and its billing system feels just as massive. After my surgery there, I felt completely lost. The key was finding the right starting point. I ignored the main billing number and instead searched for their “Patient Financial Advocates.” These are the people whose job is to help you. I sent a simple email to the address I found online, and an advocate called me back. She walked me through the entire application, told me exactly which documents to send, and became my single point of contact, saving me from bureaucratic confusion.
How to Beat the Bureaucracy at Providence Health
My Strategy of Polite Persistence
Providence is a huge non-profit system, but that size can lead to massive bureaucracy. After I sent in my charity care application, I heard nothing for weeks. I felt like my file was lost in a black hole. So, I developed a system of polite, persistent follow-up. Every ten days, I would send a short, friendly email to the financial counselor. I’d also call and leave a polite voicemail. I never sounded angry, just diligent. After my third round of follow-ups, I suddenly got a call. My application was at the top of the pile and approved.
The Ultimate Guide to Financial Aid at AdventHealth Systems
The Faith-Based Advantage
AdventHealth is a large, faith-based hospital system, and I learned that their mission can be a powerful tool for patients. When my initial application for a discount was only partially approved, I wrote an appeal letter. In the letter, I respectfully referenced their stated mission of “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.” I explained that saddling my family with a debt we couldn’t pay felt contrary to that mission of compassion. This approach, which appealed to their core identity and values, resulted in them forgiving the entire remaining balance. It showed that I understood who they were.
How I Got CommonSpirit Health to Write Off My $80,000 Bill
Using Their Own Rules Against Them
CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest non-profit hospital systems in the country. After they denied my application for aid on an $80,000 bill, I felt crushed. But then I dug deeper. I found their “Community Benefit Report” online. It detailed how much charity care they were required to provide to maintain their non-profit status. I also found their official financial assistance policy. My income was clearly within their guidelines. I wrote an appeal citing their own policy and their community benefit obligations. Faced with their own rules, they had no choice but to reverse the denial.
Navigating the Ascension Health Charity Care Maze
The Patient Advocate Was My Guide
Ascension Health is another massive Catholic hospital system, and their financial aid process felt like a maze. I kept getting different answers from different people in the billing department. I was about to give up when a nurse quietly suggested I ask for a hospital social worker or patient advocate. That was the key. The advocate knew the system inside and out. She knew exactly which forms I needed, who to send them to, and how to frame my application. She cut through all the red tape and advocated for me internally, turning a confusing nightmare into a simple, successful process.
The Trinity Health Loophole That Saved Me Thousands
The “Underinsured” Patient Policy
I have insurance, so I thought I was out of luck when I got a massive bill from a Trinity Health hospital. My application for aid was initially denied because I was “insured.” But I found a loophole in their full financial assistance policy document. It had a special section for “underinsured” patients—those whose deductibles or co-insurance would create a financial hardship. I re-applied, this time specifically under the underinsured patient policy. I focused on the unaffordable out-of-pocket cost, not just my income. This small change in framing got my appeal approved for a huge discount.
A Former Biller’s Guide to Getting Aid at Tenet Healthcare
Thinking Like an Insider at a For-Profit
A friend who used to work for Tenet, a large for-profit chain, gave me the inside scoop. She said, “Don’t tell a long, sad story. Just give them the facts they need to check the boxes.” Tenet’s process is designed for efficiency. So I made my application clean and simple. I provided only the documents they requested. I made sure my income figures matched my pay stubs exactly. I didn’t add extra letters or emotional pleas. By making my application easy for a busy processor to approve, I got a discount, even from a for-profit hospital.
How to Get Approved for Charity Care at a University Hospital
Appealing to the Mission of Education
University hospitals have a dual mission: patient care and education. I used this to my advantage. After my treatment at a major university medical center, I was denied financial aid. In my appeal letter, I mentioned their role as a non-profit, academic institution with a responsibility to the community it serves and teaches in. I framed my need for assistance as a way for them to fulfill their community benefit mission, which is a key part of their identity. This approach resonated with the review committee, and they ultimately approved me for a 100% write-off.
The Surprising Generosity of Shriners Hospitals (And How to Access It)
It’s Not Just for “Shriners”
When my son needed specialized orthopedic surgery, someone mentioned Shriners Hospitals. I thought it was a private club for the children of Shriners members. I was completely wrong. Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care regardless of the family’s ability to pay. The key to access is that the child’s condition must be within one of their specialties, like orthopedics or burn care. We simply called the nearest Shriners hospital, explained our son’s diagnosis, and they scheduled an evaluation. His entire treatment, including surgery and follow-up, was covered without us ever seeing a bill.
How I Got My Bill Forgiven at a For-Profit Hospital
Dispelling the Myth
Everyone told me not to bother applying for financial aid because the hospital was a for-profit company. “They don’t help people,” my friends said. But I learned that under federal law, even for-profit hospitals that accept Medicare have certain obligations. I applied anyway. I filled out the application perfectly and included a simple, one-page letter showing that the bill was catastrophic for my family. To my surprise, they offered me a 60% discount. It wasn’t a full forgiveness, but it proved that you should always apply. Never assume a for-profit hospital won’t help at all.
The Difference Between Public and Private Hospital Charity Care Policies
Knowing Who Owns the Hospital
I learned a valuable lesson after comparing two hospital bills. The first was from a county-run public hospital. Their charity care policy was very generous, based on state and federal poverty guidelines, and the application was straightforward. The second bill was from a private, for-profit hospital. Their policy was much stricter, with lower income limits and fewer options. The difference was ownership. The public hospital’s mission is public health, while the private hospital’s mission is profit. Knowing who owns the hospital gives you a realistic expectation of how generous their aid policy will be.
How to Find the Financial Aid Policy for Any Hospital in 60 Seconds
The Magic Google Search
I used to spend hours clicking around confusing hospital websites trying to find their charity care information. It felt like they were hiding it. Then I discovered a simple trick that works every time. I go to Google and type in the full name of the hospital followed by the words “Financial Assistance Policy PDF.” This simple search bypasses all the marketing pages and usually brings up a direct link to the hospital’s official policy document as the first or second result. It’s the fastest way to get the real rules and the application form in under a minute.
I Compared 10 Hospital Policies—Here’s Who is Most Generous
Doing My Homework Before My Surgery
I needed a planned surgery and had a choice between several local hospitals. Before deciding, I spent one evening doing research. I downloaded the financial assistance policies from ten different hospitals in my region. The differences were shocking. Some non-profits offered discounts for families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while some for-profits capped it at 150%. This simple act of comparison-shopping based on their charity care generosity led me to choose a hospital that ultimately forgave my entire bill. It was the most important research I ever did.
The “Secret” Name for Charity Care at Your Local Hospital
If You Don’t Use the Right Words, You Won’t Find It
I kept searching my local hospital’s website for “charity care” and came up with nothing. It felt like they didn’t offer it. I finally called the billing office in frustration. The woman on the phone said, “Oh, you mean our Medical Financial Assistance program.” It turned out every hospital calls it something different. I’ve seen it called “Patient Financial Help,” “Community Care,” or “Bridge Assistance.” The lesson I learned was to stop using the term “charity care” and instead ask, “What is the name of your program to help patients who can’t afford their bills?”
How Rural and Critical Access Hospitals Handle Financial Aid Differently
Smaller Hospitals, Bigger Hearts
I was nervous when I had to go to our small, rural “Critical Access Hospital.” I figured they wouldn’t have the resources to help me with the bill. I was completely wrong. Because these hospitals are vital to the community and receive special government funding, they often have a deep commitment to the people they serve. The financial aid process was incredibly personal. I sat down with one person who handled everything. She knew my name and my story. While they may have less bureaucracy, their connection to the community often makes them more, not less, generous.
The One Thing to Know Before Going to a Sutter Health ER
The Presumptive Eligibility Screen
When I checked into the emergency room at a Sutter Health hospital, I was in too much pain to think about money. But during the registration process, the clerk asked me a series of questions about my income and household size. I answered honestly. I later learned this was Sutter’s “presumptive eligibility” screening. Based on my answers, they determined that I likely qualified for financial aid. They automatically applied a discount to my bill before it was even sent to me. It was a proactive approach that saved me from weeks of worry and paperwork.
I Got Aid From Northwell Health—This Was The Key
The Power of a Perfect Application
New York’s Northwell Health is a massive system, and I knew my application needed to be perfect to get through their process. The key was following their instructions to the letter. Their website had a clear checklist of required documents. I gathered every single one. I filled out every single line of the application, writing “N/A” in any box that didn’t apply. Before I sent it, I made a copy of the entire packet for my records. This perfect, complete application sailed through their system without any questions or delays, and I was approved for a significant discount.
The Patient’s Guide to Intermountain Healthcare’s Charity Care
A Focus on the Whole Picture
I was treated at an Intermountain Healthcare facility in Utah, and I learned their approach to financial aid is very holistic. My income was slightly above their standard limit for full forgiveness. However, their application had a section for “extenuating circumstances.” I used this to explain our family’s other financial burdens, including high childcare costs and my husband’s student loan debt. By looking at our entire financial picture, not just our income, they were able to approve us for a 100% write-off. They really considered our true ability to pay.
How UPMC’s Financial Assistance Program Really Works
Navigating the Giant of Pennsylvania
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is a dominant force in Pennsylvania. When I applied for their financial assistance, I learned that they have very specific income tiers. It’s not just a simple yes or no. Depending on your income relative to the federal poverty level, you might qualify for a 100%, 75%, or 50% discount. The key was understanding this tiered system. When they initially offered me a partial discount, I was able to appeal by providing extra documentation of my medical expenses, which moved me into a more generous tier, saving me thousands more.
The Insider’s Guide to Applying for Aid at Banner Health
Getting Past the First “No”
A friend who works for Banner Health gave me a critical tip. She said their system is designed to handle a high volume, and sometimes initial denials are automated. The key is to appeal and get a human to review the case. My first application was denied. As advised, I immediately submitted an appeal. I didn’t add much new information, but I specifically asked for a “manual review by a supervisor.” This simple request pushed my file out of the automated queue and onto the desk of someone who could make a common-sense decision. The denial was overturned.
How I Got My Bill Covered by a Hospital System I’d Never Heard Of
Small Systems Can Have Big Programs
My local community hospital was recently bought by a regional hospital system I had never heard of—”Mountain States Health Alliance.” I was worried this would mean worse service and less financial help. I was pleasantly surprised. Even smaller, regional non-profit systems have charity care programs. I went to their website, found the financial assistance policy, and discovered it was actually more generous than the old hospital’s policy. I applied and got the entire bill forgiven. Never judge a hospital by its name; always check the policy, no matter how small the system seems.
The Regional Differences in Charity Care Generosity
A Tale of Two States
My sister and I had similar surgeries and similar incomes. The only difference? She lives in California, and I live in Texas. Her bill, from a non-profit hospital in California, was almost entirely forgiven under their generous state-mandated charity care laws. My bill, from a non-profit in Texas, received only a small discount because Texas has weaker consumer protection laws for medical debt. It was a stark lesson in how much your geographic location can impact the generosity of hospital financial aid. Some states simply have stronger laws that force hospitals to be more helpful.
How to Deal With Out-of-State Hospitals and Their Aid Programs
Proving My Local Hardship
I had to travel to a specialized, out-of-state hospital for my cancer treatment. When I applied for their financial aid, I knew I had to paint a clear picture of my life back home. In my application, I included proof of my travel costs—gas receipts, hotel bills—to show the extra burden of getting care so far away. I also included information about the high cost of living in my home city. This helped them understand that their standard income limits might not be fair for someone who had the additional financial stress of long-distance travel for care.
The “Religious Affiliation” Advantage at Catholic Hospital Systems
An Appeal to a Higher Authority
I was treated at a Catholic hospital run by a group of nuns. When my appeal for financial aid was denied, I wrote one final letter. This time, I addressed it to the “Director of Mission and Pastoral Care.” I didn’t argue about numbers. I spoke about the hospital’s Catholic identity and its mission to serve the poor and sick, referencing the teachings of Jesus. I respectfully asked how saddling my family with a crippling debt aligned with that mission. This appeal to their core religious values got my case reconsidered by a different committee, and they forgave the bill.
How to Find Out If Your Hospital is a Non-Profit (And Why It’s Crucial)
The Two-Minute Research That Can Save You Thousands
Before you even start an application, you need to know if your hospital is non-profit or for-profit. This single fact is the most important predictor of your success. Non-profit hospitals are legally required to provide a community benefit, including charity care, in exchange for their tax-exempt status. For-profits are not. The easiest way to check is to Google the hospital’s name plus the words “is it a non-profit.” The search results will almost always give you a quick answer. Knowing this upfront tells you how much leverage you have as a patient.
I Got My Bill Forgiven by a Hospital That Was Suing Me
From Courtroom to Compassion
The hospital had denied my charity care application and their collection agency had filed a lawsuit against me. I was terrified. As a last-ditch effort before my court date, I sent a certified letter directly to the hospital’s CEO. I calmly laid out the facts of my case, included proof of my income, and attached a copy of their own financial assistance policy. I also attached a copy of the lawsuit. I asked him if suing a low-income patient was consistent with the hospital’s mission. The lawsuit was dropped the next day, and the bill was forgiven.
The Power of Knowing Your Hospital’s Community Benefit Report
The Report Card They Don’t Want You to Read
Non-profit hospitals have to file an annual “Community Benefit Report” with the government, detailing how much charity care they provide. I found my hospital’s report online. It showed they had spent millions less on charity care than in previous years, even though their profits were up. In my appeal letter, I mentioned that I had reviewed their Community Benefit Report and was concerned that they were not meeting their obligation to the community. This showed that I had done my homework and was prepared to escalate my complaint. My denial was quickly reconsidered.
How a Hospital Merger Changed Their Charity Care Policy Overnight
When Bigger Isn’t Better
My local, independent hospital had a very generous charity care policy. I knew the financial counselor by name. Then, they were bought out by a huge, national for-profit chain. When I needed care again, I was shocked to find the financial assistance policy had completely changed. The income limits were cut in half, and the application was much more difficult. It was a harsh lesson that hospital mergers can have a direct, negative impact on patients. The new, corporate owners were focused on profits, not community care, and the new policy reflected that.
The One Person You Need to Find in Any Hospital’s Finance Department
Bypassing the Gatekeepers
The first few people I spoke to in the hospital’s billing department were useless. They were reading from a script and had no real authority. I learned that in any hospital finance office, there is usually a “Patient Financial Services Supervisor” or “Revenue Cycle Manager.” This is the person who can make exceptions and overturn denials. I politely but firmly asked the first person I spoke with, “Can I please speak with your supervisor?” Getting to that second-level person with real authority was the key to getting my problem solved.
How to Use Hospital Ratings to Predict Their Charity Care Leniency
Looking for Clues in Public Data
I was trying to decide between two hospitals for a procedure. They were both non-profits. I found a website called “The Lown Institute” that rates hospitals on their “Community Benefit.” One hospital had an “A” grade, meaning they spent a fair share on charity care. The other had a “D” grade. This public rating gave me a huge clue about each hospital’s culture and priorities. I chose the “A” rated hospital, and when I needed help with the bill, their process was fair and generous, just as the rating predicted.
The Questions to Ask When a Hospital Takes Over Your Doctor’s Office
Your Doctor’s New Boss
My trusted primary care doctor’s office was bought by the local hospital system. Suddenly, the “facility fees” started appearing on my bills, and the billing process became much more complicated. I learned to ask specific questions. I asked my doctor’s office manager, “Now that you are owned by the hospital, does my visit bill through you or through them? And am I eligible for the hospital’s financial assistance program for these office visit charges?” Understanding this new corporate structure was essential to figuring out how to get help with the new, higher costs.
How to Get Proactive Charity Care Approval Before a Planned Surgery
An Application Before Admission
I needed knee surgery, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford my deductible. I didn’t wait for the bills to start rolling in after the surgery. Instead, I called the hospital’s pre-admissions department and asked to speak with a financial counselor about my upcoming procedure. I filled out the charity care application and submitted it before my surgery date. They were able to pre-approve me for a 100% discount. I went into my surgery with a letter in hand confirming my aid, giving me total peace of mind during my recovery.
The Financial Aid Differences Between a Main Hospital and its Clinics
A System Isn’t Always a System
I assumed that since my doctor’s clinic was owned by the big downtown hospital, the same charity care policy would apply to both. I was wrong. After my clinic visit, I was told I didn’t qualify for aid. I was confused, so I called the main hospital’s patient advocate. She explained that some of their outpatient clinics were not yet fully integrated into the hospital’s financial system and had different, stricter aid policies. It was a frustrating lesson that even within the same health “system,” the rules for financial aid can be completely different depending on which building you visit.
How I Got My Air Ambulance Bill Covered by the Hospital’s Charity Fund
Fighting the Sky-High Bill
The $60,000 bill from the air ambulance company felt like a punch in the gut. They had no meaningful financial assistance. I was desperate. I learned that the non-profit hospital I was flown to had a large, unrestricted “Community Care Fund.” I wrote a letter to the hospital’s patient advocacy department. I explained that I couldn’t have received their care without the air transport. I argued that covering the transport bill was a logical extension of their charitable mission. To my amazement, they agreed to pay the air ambulance company directly from their own charity fund.
Why You Should Always Check the Hospital’s IRS Form 990
The Tax Form That Tells All
This is my secret weapon. Every non-profit organization, including hospitals, must file a tax form called an “IRS Form 990,” which is a public document. You can find it online. I looked up my hospital’s Form 990. On Schedule H, it spelled out exactly how much money they spent on charity care and what their financial assistance policy was. This is the official, legally filed information, not just marketing from their website. In my appeal letter, I was able to quote their own numbers back to them from their tax return. It was powerful.
I Got Aid From a Hospital That Wasn’t Even in My State
Compassion Knows No Borders
I had to travel to a renowned cancer center in another state for a special treatment. The medical bills were overwhelming, and the travel costs were draining my family’s savings. I felt hopeless, assuming a hospital so far away wouldn’t help a non-resident. I applied for their financial assistance anyway. In my letter, I emphasized that my local hospitals did not offer the life-saving treatment I needed. The out-of-state hospital was incredibly understanding. They approved my application, proving that a hospital’s mission of care often extends beyond its own state lines.
How to Navigate “Tiered” Charity Care Programs for Maximum Forgiveness
Understanding the Sliding Scale
My hospital didn’t have a simple “yes” or “no” for charity care. They used a “tiered” or “sliding scale” program. Based on your income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you could get a 100%, 80%, 60%, or 40% discount. I was initially placed in the 80% tier. But I knew that if I could lower my “countable” income, I could get into the 100% tier. I submitted an appeal that included documentation of my high monthly childcare costs. By deducting that expense, my income fell into the next lowest tier, saving me thousands of dollars.
The Secret to Getting 100% Forgiveness vs. a Sliding Scale Discount
Proving Total Inability to Pay
The difference between getting a partial discount and a 100% write-off often comes down to one thing: proving you have zero ability to pay anything. My income was low, but they first offered me a 75% discount, leaving me with a bill of $5,000. For my appeal, I created a simple monthly budget. It showed my income, and then listed all my essential expenses: rent, food, utilities, car insurance. The final line showed I had only $50 left over each month. This simple budget proved that even a small payment was impossible and got me to 100%.
I Uncovered a Discrepancy Between a Hospital’s Website and its Real Policy
The Website Isn’t Always the Truth
The hospital’s website had a simple, one-page summary of their financial aid policy. According to that page, my income was too high. I was about to give up, but I decided to dig deeper and find the full, official policy document. The full, multi-page policy contained details the website left out, including a section on how high medical expenses could be used to offset income. The real policy was more generous than the marketing summary on the website. I applied using the rules from the full policy and was approved. Always find the official document.
How to Use a Hospital’s Mission Statement in Your Favor
Their Words, Your Power
My appeal had been denied, and I was running out of options. For my final letter to the hospital’s CEO, I started by going to their “About Us” webpage and copying their mission statement word-for-word. The statement spoke of “serving the community with compassion and dignity.” My letter then respectfully asked how a surprise bill that threatened to bankrupt my family aligned with those values. By using their own words, I wasn’t just a disgruntled patient; I was holding them accountable to their own stated purpose. It was a powerful tactic that prompted them to reconsider.
The One Department More Powerful Than the Billing Office
Where the Real Power Lies
I spent weeks arguing with the billing office and getting nowhere. They were rigid and just kept repeating the same denial. I was exhausted. A kind nurse gave me a tip: “Stop calling billing. Call the Patient Advocacy or Social Work department.” It was a revelation. This department’s job isn’t to collect money; it’s to help patients. The patient advocate I spoke with became my champion inside the hospital. She made calls on my behalf and escalated my case to people the billing department didn’t have access to. She solved my problem in two days.
How I Got Two Different Hospitals to Split and Forgive My Bill
A Coordinated Attack on My Debt
My care was complicated, involving an ER visit at one hospital and a transfer for surgery to another. I was getting huge, confusing bills from both. Neither wanted to take full responsibility. I filled out charity care applications for both hospitals. In each application, I included a letter explaining the situation and attached the bills from the other hospital. This showed each institution the full scope of my medical debt. With this complete picture, the first hospital’s charity care covered my ER visit, and the second hospital’s program covered the surgery.
The Ultimate Checklist for Researching a Hospital’s Aid Program
My Pre-Application Game Plan
I never fill out an application without doing my homework first. I have a simple checklist. 1) Is the hospital non-profit? 2) Find and download the full, official Financial Assistance Policy PDF. 3) Check the income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level. 4) Read the list of required documents. 5) Find the name and contact info for a Patient Advocate or Financial Counselor. Following this five-step checklist before I even start writing gives me a clear picture of my chances and ensures I submit a perfect application from the start.
Why You Should Never Trust the First Person You Speak To
The Tale of Two Answers
The first time I called the hospital’s billing line, the person who answered was dismissive. She told me, “You make too much, don’t even bother applying.” I felt defeated, but decided to call back a few days later. This time, a different person answered. She was kind and helpful. She encouraged me to apply and pointed out that I could deduct my childcare costs from my income. That single piece of advice was the key to my approval. I learned a vital lesson: the first answer isn’t always the right one. Hang up and call again.
I Found a “Donor-Restricted” Fund That Covered My Specific Illness
The Question That Unlocked a Secret Fund
My application for general financial assistance was denied. I was talking to a hospital social worker, feeling hopeless, when she mentioned that the hospital has hundreds of small donation funds. I asked a specific question: “Are there any donor-restricted funds available specifically for cancer patients?” She had to do some research, but she called me back the next day. A family had donated money years ago to create a small fund to help breast cancer patients. It was just enough to pay off my remaining bills. It was a secret pocket of money I never would have found without asking.
How to Get Your Anesthesiologist Bill Covered by the Hospital’s Policy
The “Surprise Bill” Argument
My hospital bill was covered by their charity care program, but then I got a separate, huge bill from the anesthesiologist, who was an independent contractor. His office said they didn’t offer aid. I went back to the hospital’s patient advocate. I argued that I had no choice in who provided my anesthesia; he was assigned to my surgery. I told her this was a “surprise bill” and that it was the hospital’s responsibility to ensure all care provided in their facility was covered under their aid policy. The hospital agreed and negotiated with the doctor’s group on my behalf.
The “CEO Trick”: How a Single Email Can Solve Your Problem
Taking It Straight to the Top
I had hit a brick wall. The billing office denied my appeal, and no one would return my calls. I was facing a debt that would ruin me. As a final, desperate act, I found the email address of the hospital’s CEO. I wrote a short, polite, and powerful email. I wasn’t angry. I simply laid out the facts of my case, attached my denial letter, and asked if this outcome was consistent with the hospital’s mission. I sent it at 9 PM. At 8 AM the next morning, I had an email from his executive assistant. My problem was solved by noon.