July 18, 2004

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Bigfork Valley Hospital takes initiative in supporting uninsured

Bigfork Valley Hospital has become one of the first 39 hospitals and hospital systems to sign a voluntary agreement with the Minnesota Attorney General’s office to ensure that uninsured patients are treated fairly in billing practices.

“We are pleased to sign this agreement,” said Dan Odegaard, CEO of Bigfork Valley. “It reflects our own commitment to those in our community who need medical care but are unable to carry insurance.”

According to the state Attorney General’s office, a recent Harvard University study found that over half of the bankruptcy filings in the country were due to health care expenses, and most of those were from families whose income levels made them ineligible for medical assistance programs.

The agreement limits charges to uninsured patients with annual household income of less than $125,000 to that reimbursed by certain insurance companies, ensures that patients will be treated fairly in the billing and collection process and that all eligible discount programs are applied, and that patients have access to a toll free number to question billings.

Last spring Bigfork Valley Hospital instituted an uninsured patient discount program for those not covered by insurance or other medical reimbursement programs. The patient financial advisor can be reached by calling the billing office toll-free at (866) 743-3177, Ext. 259.

“I congratulate these hospitals for stepping forward and addressing this issue, which is in the forefront of almost every state,” said Attorney General Mike Hatch. “By exercising this leadership, these hospitals honor their communities and their patients.”