We understand that health care expenses are often unexpected and the costs may be more than one can afford. And if you are without health insurance, we know the concerns and burdens you feel when doctor and hospital bills mount. Lack of financial resources will not get in the way of providing essential health services to you. Riverside is a not-for profit organization with a Mission of providing excellent care to all citizens, without regard for ability to pay.
Emergency or Urgent Care
Your care will be given without regard to your ability to pay. When your bill is received, you will be asked to contact the hospital Financial Counselor to discuss your financial situation, and your ability to make no-interest monthly payments toward the cost of your care.
You may be eligible for Riverside’s Uninsured Patient Discount Program (see below). You may also be eligible for public or private assistance programs. We will help you apply for those programs.
When You Are Admitted to the Hospital
Your care will be given without regard to your ability to pay. During your stay with us, a Financial Counselor will work with you or your family to complete an application for assistance with the hospital bill.
You may be eligible for Riverside’s Uninsured Patient Discount Program (see below). You may also be eligible for public or private assistance programs. We will help you apply for those programs.
Elective and Non-Essential Procedures
Medical procedures that are “elective” in nature, non-essential to your well being, fall into a different category. While we are committed to being there for all citizens in need, if you have no insurance, charges for procedures which are not essential must be paid in advance.
For elective, non-essential services, we will ask for 100% of the estimated charges at the time of service.
The Riverside Financial Assistance Program for Uninsured Patients
For uninsured patients that do not qualify for charity care, a self-pay discount of 25%-40% will be offered, depending upon your income level and family size.
Riverside uses the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to determine eligibility for financial assistance. Currently, a patient with income of 200% or less of the Guidelines receives a full adjustment of charges.
Examples of the Uninsured Discount Scale
If you have a family of 4, and your annual income is less than $44,100, you will receive 100% assistance.
If you have a family of 4, and your annual income is less than $66,150, you will receive 40% assistance.
Your Responsibilities
Financial assistance policies do not eliminate your personal responsibility. In order to benefit from these Assistance programs, you need to provide us in a timely manner the information we need to determine your eligibility for this assistance.
For more information on the Uninsured Patient Discount Program, please call our Financial Counselors at (757) 968-5901.
Decisions regarding financial assistance will be made without regard to a patient’s race, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual preference, age or disability.
