MN hospitals extend uninsured discounts

In an effort to stay in the good graces of the state's Attorney General, Minnesota hospitals have agreed to extend existing pricing discounts for uninsured patients for the next five years. The hospitals will also continue to meet debt-collection requirements, including the establishment of payment plans and riding herd on collection agency tactics. Hospitals must also take several steps prior to pursuing patients legally, including verifying their debt and confirming that any relevant insurance companies have been billed. In 2005, the state's 135 hospitals began offering discounts to uninsured patients with household incomes of less than $125,000, at levels comparable to the discounts they provide their largest health plan customers.

To get more detail on the agreement:
- read the Attorney General's press release

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