Charity Care – New Jersey Hospitals

(Charity Care Assistance)

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  free or reduced charge care which is provided to patients who receive inpatient and outpatient services at acute care hospitals throughout the State of New Jersey. 
  

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  Hospital assistance and reduced charge care are available only for necessary hospital care.
  

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  Some services such as physician fees, anesthesiology fees, radiology interpretation, and outpatient prescriptions are separate from hospital charges and may not be eligible for reduction
  

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

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

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  Meet both the income and assets eligibility criteria
  

Please Visit below to see if you qualify:

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  Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986.
  

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  Under COBRA, a group health plan ordinarily is defined as:
  
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    a plan that provides medical benefits for the employer's own employees and their dependents through insurance or otherwise (such as a trust, health maintenance organization, self-funded pay-as-you-go basis, reimbursement or combination of these).
    

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  Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer formerly paid a part of the premium.
  

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  It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage.


  

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  The law generally covers group health plans maintained by employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year.
  

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  Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
  
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  Physician care
  
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  Surgery and other major medical benefits
  
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  Prescription drugs
  
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  Any other medical benefits, such as dental and vision care
  
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  Life insurance, however, is not covered under COBRA
  

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  have had comprehensive benefits and don't mind paying more for them.
  
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  want continual, guaranteed coverage at a higher cost.
  
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  have had recent health problems.
  
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  have had ongoing health problems.
  
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  are taking expensive medications.
  
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  have been declined for private insurance recently.
  
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  have a history of medical problems.
  
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  have had an accident within the 60 day window of enrollment.
  
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  are pregnant or planning to get that way.
  
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  got a job and your new employer does not offer a health plan.
  

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  have no pre-existing conditions and
  
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  want continual coverage at a lower cost and
  
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  have had no health problems and
  
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  have not received any advice from medical professionals advising you to undergo a medical procedure in the future.
  

Temporary health insurance

Student coming off Parents Insurance

Graduated student – looking for job

Life insurance

Traveling within the US

Traveling Internationally

Laid-Off

Quit

Disability

Divorce

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Starting own business

Individual Medical Insurance

Student Coming off parents Insurance

Graduated Student – Looking for Job

Laid-Off

Fired

Between Jobs

Traveling Internationally

Moving to another Country

Disability

Divorce

Many individuals do not realize it but you can still see your family physician without insurance and be able to afford it. It may take some gumption but approach your doctor about a reduction in rates for services because you are willing to pay cash. Many doctors are happy to work with you because they will likely get more money and get it in a faster time period than when having to deal with insurance or Medicare.

These are not the “free clinics” you might have in your community but there are health care centers regulated and sponsored by the federal government. These centers provide primary, preventative and dental services to people of all ages, based on a sliding payment scale. This means you pay for services based on how much income you make. Check out findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to find a center in your area.

Because Planned Parenthood centers often receive state funding and public donations, the fees for services may be even lower than normal, but you will typically you'll be charged what you can afford, based on your income. Women can receive family planning services, plus other treatment and testing for STD's, pap tests, breast exams, and birth control for little or no cost. Be sure to call first to discuss your finances if you do not have insurance. You'll be able to get a ball park figure for how much it will cost prior to going to your appointment.

These are the walk-in health centers located in major retail shopping chains such as pharmacies and Walmart. Typically, these clinics are staffed by RN practitioners and physician's assistants who can treat and prescribe medications for general colds, flu, and infections. They can also help treat and do preventative check-ups for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The costs will vary from clinic to clinic and depends on your illness or treatment plan. Some places will offer “a la carte” services and some will charge a “flat-rate fee” for services rendered.

Many community groups, civic organizations, and local hospitals will offer regular free clinics for specific screenings of disease such as cancer, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Check in your local news paper or group newsletter to see what is coming up in you area and take advantage of the free (or at least discounted) health services. Early detection of many diseases can certainly save your life.