30TH DISTRICT BY

SENATOR ROBERT W. SINGER

ASSEMBLYMAN JOSEPH R. MALONE

ASSEMBLYMAN RONALD S. DANCER

...............................................................................................................................................

 

WEEKLY COLUMN

June 19, 2009

 

We would like to share important information  with you about the New jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program, or Charity Care, as provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

 

What is the Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program?

 

The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care Assistance) is free or reduced charge care which is provided to patients who receive in patient and outpatient services at acute care hospitals throughout the State of New Jersey. Some services such as physician fees, anesthesiology fees, radiology interpretation, and outpatient prescription s are separate from hospital charges and may not be eligible for reduction.

 

Where does funding for Hospital Care Payment Assistance come from?

 

The source of funding for hospital care payment assistance is through the Health Care Subsidy Fund administered under Public Law 1997, Chapter 263.

 

Who is eligible for Hospital Care Payment Assistance?

 

Hospital care payment assistance is available to New Jersey residents who:

1. Have no health coverage or have coverage that pays only for part of the bill: and

2. Are ineligible for any private or governmental sponsored coverage (such as Medicaid); and

3.Meet both the income and assets eligibility criteria.

 

Hospital assistance is also available to non-New Jersey residents, subject to specific provisions.

 

How Does Someone Apply for Hospital Care Payment Assistance?

 

The patient or prospective patient must apply for hospital care payment assistance at the hospital from which he/she plans to obtain or has obtained services. The patient should apply at the business office or admissions office of the hospital.