Help for the Uninsured

Assistance for Low Income, Unsinsured Patients

In early 2004, Sutter Delta Medical Center adopted a policy that expancds our charity care policy and provides considerable discounts to low-income uninsured patients. This policy also provides catastrophic protection to these patiens and ensures consistent and fair bill collection practices.

How It Works

• Provide full charity care to low income, uninsured patients earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG).
        ~ Example: 200% of the FPIG level for a family of four equals an annual income of $42,400 (2008)
• Provide discounts limiting their payment to the equivalent of Medicare reimbursement plus 20% for our low income uninsured patients earning between 201% and 400% of the FPIG.
        ~ Example: 400% of the FPIG level for a family of four equals $84,800 (2008).
• Provide catastrophic protection to low income uninsured patients by limiting their payment liability to 30% of their annual household income.
• Enhance communication of available assistance by expanding communication channels.

The charity care policy is limited to hospital charges and does not include physician, anesthesiologist or professional charges that are not billed by the hospital.

Our standardized collection practices prohibit wage garnishments and bench warrants, and prohibits property foreclosures.

Emergency Department Patients
For information regarding financial assistance for uninsured Emergency Dept. patients, click here.

For More Information/How to Apply
For more detailed information on this policy, how to apply or receive answers to your questions, please ask for information at the hospital registration desk or call 925-779-3094.